A brief account of the meeting to discuss the future of Valley View estates
by kris harsh Wednesday January 07, 2004 at 06:20 PM
kristohio@hotmail.com

Approximately 50 people met Tuesday January 6th to discuss and the learn about the plans for renovating (that is, destroying) the puplic housing at Valley View in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood.

The meeting started with George Phillips the acting director of CMHA (Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority) giving a background on the situation. He explained that HUD had approved demolition of the apartments the day before, on Jan.5th2004, and that a January 20th deadline had been set for the application for the HOPEVI federal funding. He also broke the news that residents will be re-located starting later this month.

Local Councilman Joe Cimperman followed (after circling the room to shake hands with all in attendance) by extolling the virtues of the plan calling it "important to the range of income values" in Tremont, whatever that means. He thanked Tremont Near West Development Corporation, CMHA and some local residents (who won't be local for long). He asked those from Valley View who had been helping in the plan to raise their hands, four went up. He left shortly thereafter, before the questions began.

Up next was Michael Bowen the CMHA HopeVI Coordinater who explained in more detail the process that has been going on for the past four years. He stated that in June of 2003 CMHA approved the plans for Valley View and in October Hud approved of the HopeVI application (which is still pending approval). CMHA will request between 14 and 16 million dollars with the application but the demolition will occur weather it is approved or not. CMHA will fund the program on it's own to the tune of 15 million or so. If the HopeVI funding is approved the project will run around 30 to 35 million overall.

Following Mr. Bowen was Barbara Freeland, project manager for the development company McCormack Baron and Salazar of St. Louis Missouri. She explained the plans for renovation and answered many of the questions along with Mr. Bowen.

After the question and answer session (described elsewhere) Esther Shin and Sandra Moore (vice-president and president, respectively) of Urban Strategies addresed the community services that would be provided in the new development.

The meeting lasted about and hour and a half. Although there were some residents of Valley View in attendence, a great portion of those present were from Tremont West Development Corporation and various others with financial stakes in the plans.

add your comments