Former Millikin Elementary is neighborhood concern

Members of the Severance Neighborhood Organization are concerned about the condition of the former Millikin Elementary School building, 1700 Crest Road, Cleveland Heights. They say the grounds look unkempt and that, about two weeks ago, vandals broke windows and painted graffiti on the building.

The building is owned by the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education and the City of Cleveland Heights does not have jurisdiction over it. The structure has been vacant since the school was closed at the end of the 2005-2006 school year.

According to Steve Shergalis, director of business services for the district, it is currently unoccupied and available for reuse but the board is not actively marketing it. He offered to meet with the group onsite to review their concerns.

Members of the Severance Neighborhood Organization are encouraging concerned citizens to attend the school board meeting on Tuesday, May 5 at 7 p.m. at the Wiley Middle School cafeteria, 2181 Miramar Blvd. Representatives from the organization plan to show the board current pictures of the building and grounds and provide suggestions on its maintenance and reuse.

For more information about the Severance Neighborhood Organization or this issue, contact the organization's president, Fran Mentch, at 216-381-5356.