In looking towards 2020, we are excited about our New Year’s resolutions.

This month we are introducing our refreshed website that should be more intuitive and interactive. Over the past months, we have been working to include features to the new site that will provide easier access to the most requested information and better user interfaces. Our goal is to provide accurate and updated information about City events and issues.

With the Osborne Park improvements completed last year, we are looking forward to new programming for the Lakefront District, including summer concerts. Our goal is to create new activity at one of our City’s greatest assets, Lake Erie. We recently received news from the Ohio Department of Transportation that we will receive funding for the paving of Lakeshore Blvd. from Mentor to Eastlake, and we expect this work to begin in the fall of this year. Finally, we are anticipating other improvements to businesses along Lakeshore Blvd. helping to stimulate private investment in this area.

The major summer events are all returning this year, including The Rib Burn Off, Live Well Willoughby, Classic Car Cruise-In, Arts Fest, and Last Stop Willoughby/Corn Roast. The Gazebo concert series continues with a line-up including favorite acts from last year with some new artists. These events are presented through the collaboration between our local businesses, merchants, bars, and restaurants.

This year we are also expanding our efforts in preserving our lakefront and enhancing our riverfront. Last summer, we met with State and Federal legislators to identify strategies and possible funding for lakefront planning.  Also, we are in discussions with designers familiar with Lake Erie’s erosion issues as we look to refresh the Osborne Park Master Plan and develop erosion control solutions. For private property owners, we are working with the Lake County Port and Economic Development Authority to identify a funding source for the Lakefront Special Improvement District.

The Vine Street TLCI planning effort will start this spring funded by a $120,000 grant from NOACA. This study will connect our lakefront in Willowick to our Historic Downtown.

Finally, we are pleased to announce a unique collaboration that includes over 20 regional partners in planning a Chagrin River Trail beginning in Lake Erie and ending in the North Chagrin Reservation. The plan would consist of Daniels Park and Todd Fields and provide access and amenities to our riverfront.

We are looking to the opportunities that this New Year brings!

As we near the end of 2019, it is a great time to reflect on the important successes and challenges our City encountered during the past year. Financially, the City did an excellent job of managing ever-increasing costs, with a relatively stable income. Thanks to the efforts in managing expenses by our Directors, we will finish this year with a solid fund balance. It should be noted costs are rising at a faster pace than income. Our Director of Finance, City Council, and I will be closely monitoring this over the next few months. Our economic development team has worked tirelessly in bringing new business to Willoughby, including seven new businesses to Downtown Willoughby and providing two storefront renovation grants in our Lakefront District. We are also excited about the completion of the Weston building at Jet Center Place, and the announcement of Marc’s to locate at the shopping center at Euclid and S.O.M. Center Road. Proceeds from the sale of the former Memorial Junior High School were returned to the Willoughby-Eastlake School District as promised. Finally, a Request for Qualifications is underway for the Glennridge project to be located on Glenn Ave near the Todd Field parking lot. We anticipate this project will bring enhanced parking and access for our Downtown. Submissions will be received and reviewed in January.

We have been active in bringing new and exciting programs to our City, including Wildroots Modern Market, Live Well Willoughby, growing merchant organizations in Downtown and Lakefront Business Districts, and an expanded summer gazebo concert series. With recent improvements to Osborne Park, we are planning to host live music and other family-friendly events at the lakefront next summer!

We are also thankful to our Police, Fire, and Service Departments for their exceptional work. These departments continue to work with a staff committed to public service and are constantly researching better ways to serve Willoughby.

Finally, we are delighted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our annual Christmas Tree Lighting. This year we have a very special addition added to our program to celebrate!

From all of us at the City of Willoughby, we wish you a happy, healthy holiday season!