From the desk of Mayor Bill Cervenik

As Mayor, it is my responsibility to yearly report on the State of the City.  As I prepared my report, I reviewed the finances, various departments, and community services and projects over the past 12 months. I am pleased and optimistic by the progress and growth we have made in many areas this past year, although as far as we have come, our work is not yet complete. That is why 2014 will be our most important year yet. There may be less than two years left in my term as Mayor, but it is my full intention to make every day count. My goal is to position the city for success for many years to come.

As a CPA, I am inclined to start with what I believe are the fundamentals.  Instituting sound, long-term financial practices, making the difficult choices, maintaining sufficient cash balances, modernizing operations of city departments, and continue to provide superior services. We have built up our cash reserves to over $4 million dollars during one of the most difficult financial environments in the history of our region, and have retained our strong financial rating from Moody’s.

In my report, I detail how over the past year many businesses and organizations have realized that Euclid is a perfect community for them to expand or relocate.  To name a few, Ray Fogg Business Systems has opened its first building at Bluestone Business Park. Remedi Seniorcare, a pharmaceutical distribution company which will occupy about one-third of the building and bring at least 115 new jobs to our city.  Developers have projected that the Bluestone site could bring more than 1,000 jobs and an additional 1 million square feet of new office and industrial space into the city.

ODOT opened a new full service maintenance garage this past year at Babbitt Road and St. Clair Avenue. At least forty full time employees will work out of this facility.

University Hospitals began construction of their $11 million, 24,000 square foot state-of-the-art medical office building to replace the existing outdated facility at their East 185th street and Lakeshore Boulevard location. This represents a major investment and is a powerful vote of confidence by University Hospitals of their commitment to the area. 

A new, yet to be named restaurant was announced at the end of East 219th Street and Lakeshore Boulevard, adding another venue to our existing popular downtown restaurants. Mama Catena’s recently announced an expansion of their current Babbitt Road Italian restaurant, doubling the seating space while retaining the true family atmosphere. Yogurt City opened in the Shore Center Plaza, Euclid’s first frozen yogurt shop featuring more than 40 flavors and toppings. And, the HELP Foundation will soon move its corporate headquarters and employees to Century Corners on Euclid Ave.

The State of the City report contains a great deal of information about all aspects of the city. You can read the entire report on our city website at www.cityofeuclid.com.  The report is not only an overview of 2013, but details our plans and goals for 2014.

Your Mayor,

Bill Cervenik