Eastlawn residents get answers on sewer, water line projects

Eastlawn residents get answers on sewer, water line projects

 Homeowners in the Eastlawn neighborhood turned out in force for a Jan. 7 meeting with city officials to review plans for a $2.57 million infrastructure project—and the associated disruptions—affecting residents of five streets connecting Newton Ave. and South Lake Shore Blvd. from East 190th to East 195th Street.

            The work, which began on January 3, will disrupt local traffic until the end of summer. Already, construction crews and their heavy equipment have caused several of the streets to be restricted to “local traffic only” patterns for periods of time. Also, some residents—including those on South Lake Shore—have had to cope with daytime water outages while crews worked on water-line connections.

            A bulletin distributed by the Eastlawn Property Owners Assn. alerted residents to the special meeting held at Our Lady of the Lake church. And they came armed with plenty of questions—most of which were fielded by Euclid Public Service Director Randy Smith. 

            After the meeting, many of the residents seemed generally satisfied with the information exchange, despite their apprehensions about the nuisances they’ll be dealing with in the months ahead. They were grateful that the service director and Mayor Bill Cervenik took the time to address their concerns. Also in attendance were City Council president Kirsten Holzheimer-Gail and Ward 4 councilwoman Mary Jo Minarik.

            In his remarks near the end of the evening, Mayor Cervenik commended the attendees. “I can tell by the turnout tonight,” he said, “that Eastlawn is a pretty vibrant community neighborhood.”

            During the course of the evening, the concerns that were addressed included:

             ■ The construction timetable: New sewers, water lines, and repaving work on East 190th and East 191st is expected to be completed in July, while a September completion date is anticipated for  the work on East 193rd and East 194th  Streets. Director Smith distributed copies of a letter to residents that stated: “Be advised that during pavement and driveway reconstruction, your access will be restricted and you will need to make parking arrangements for a short time frame. ... You can anticipate a three-week period of limited access.”

            The letter also noted that “trees that are in conflict with sewer and water line connections on the private property side will need to be removed. If a property owner desires to have additional trees removed that could result in the future heaving of driveway aprons and sidewalks, the contractor will do so without any cost to the homeowner. The property owner will be required to provide written permission.”

             ■ Disruption of activities: Residents were told to keep the construction timetable in mind when planning outdoor home-improvement projects. For example, since the activity may generate clouds of dust, it would probably be unwise to schedule a house-painting project while the work is under way.

             ■ Damage to driveways caused by the heavy equipment: In case of a legal dispute, the issues could include pre-existing conditions such as cracks in the driveway that the homeowner had forgotten about. “The condition of driveways will be well-documented prior to the work being done,” Smith pointed out.

             ■ Water outages: Residents were told that outages would be limited to “no more than 3-4 hours or so.” However, one day about a week later, the water to some homes on South Lake Shore was shut off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

             ■ Vandalism to contractors equipment: One resident, who complained about “unruly” juveniles in her neighborhood, suggested that it may be necessary to have policemen keep an eye on the equipment. In reply, Director Smith said: “That is really the contractor’s responsibility – not the city’s.”

            ■ Property tax consequences: Smith stated that the improvement project would not result in increased property taxes, “but cars will be ticketed for overnight parking.”

             ■ Possible damage to Newton Ave., which was repaved not long ago. Residents were told that the condition of that street would be monitored.

             ■ Tree planting on tree lawns once the repaving work is completed. “That will depend on whether the homeowner wants a tree,” Smith explained. He noted that property owners will be given several options regarding the species of tree to be planted.

          As for existing trees, any that are in the path of the sewer work will be “automatically” removed. Other trees between the sidewalk and the house may also be affected. The excavation work could damage tree roots and cause trees to die a year or more in the future. If the property owner requests it, the city will have such trees removed at no cost during the course of the construction project.  “However,” Smith emphasized, “once the contractor responsible for tree removal is finished with his work, he will not come back.”

          In his closing comments, Mayor Cervenik told the Eastlawn group: “It’s going to be a little tough at times, [but] we will do all we can to minimize the disturbance.

          “When all the work is done, Eastlawn should hold a big barbeque to celebrate. I’ll buy the hot dogs – and cook them, too.”

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PHOTO CAPTIONS

FOTOS #4, #5, #6 – for Eastlawn meeting story

MAYOR BILL CERVENIK talks to two residents of the Eastlawn neighborhood after the meeting to discuss the disruption that will be caused by installation of new sewers and water lines. In his closing remarks, the mayor told the gathering that when all the infrastructure work is completed, he'd buy the hot dogs for a neighborhood barbeque--and cook them, too.    (Photo by John Sheridan)

CONCERNED CITIZENS  in the Eastlawn neighborhood had numerous questions for the mayor and service director during their meeting at Our Lady of the Lake church.

ON THE HOT SEAT – Euclid Public Service Director Randy Smith (at podium) pauses before answering one of the many questions asked by Eastlawn residents at the recent neighborhood meeting to discuss the issues surrounding installation of new sewers and water lines.

 PHOTO B -- OPTIONAL CAPTION:  (Photo of  Cervenik at a podium at a previous speaking engagement; THIS PHOTO COULD ALSO BE USED with Q&A story regarding the "state of the city."  That story will be coming early next week.)

 MAYOR BILL CERVENIK, shown here at a speaking engagement last fall, told the Eastlawn gathering that when all the sewer replacement and repaving work is done, he’ll buy the hot dogs for a neighborhood barbeque. “And I’ll cook them, too.”