Severance developer agreement shows mayor's skill

The announcement that there is a developer for Severance tells us that the mayor form of government has given the city the power to create development possibilities. The mayor has proved he can lead this city in economic development projects, which is the direction we need to go.

For decades Cleveland Heights has been losing population. The median income of our residents has been dropping. Tax revenue was dropping. To maintain services and the city budget there were two paths open to the city. Path one is to raise tax rates. Path two is to engage in economic development.

Mayor Seren has long argued that economic development is needed not just to grow the city, but to reverse lost population and income. His administration has multiple projects in various stages of planning or development: Lee/Meadowbrook, Cain Park Village on North Taylor, Nobility Court on Noble Road, Park Synagogue, and Turkey Ridge.

And now there is also hope for Severance. Perhaps the plans put forward by the Severance Action Group will influence the changes that we all hope will occur there.

This mayor moved us down the correct path in just 2.5 years. Let’s hope Severance does become transformed! These developments will increase the city’s population and vibrancy. And I hope Mayor Seren stays on the job!