Many among the African American community in Maple Heights, want to discuss the city's finances. In light of, the superintendent of Maple Heights school's call to renew a levy, this administration's call to renew a levy in November, *very high home foreclosures (and see Plain Dealer article listing Maple Heights as worst regarding property values in Cuyahoga County / 2009), continued high unemployment, troubling signs in this economy, and the perception that the current administration is hiding something from residents, ... a public meeting is definitely warranted.
Several African American homeowners want to know what the police are doing to help raise revenue for themselves. Are they enforcing the noise ordinance, which carries hefty fines? Are they enforcing other ordinances that help generate revenue for this city?
Several African American homeowners want to know what the police are doing to help raise revenue for themselves. Are they enforcing the noise ordinance, which carries hefty fines? Are they enforcing other ordinances that help generate revenue for this city?
Years ago, the city of Maple Heights worked out an agreement (1) to make sure African Americans had more representation in the police and fire departments, schools, etc. Well, the plan is not working well (even though the schools have seen much improvement), and with some city departments, the plan is not working at all.
Minorities are still significantly under represented even though African Americans are almost 70% (or more) of the population in Maple Heights. What are the city's plans to address this? This also needs to be discussed in a public meeting, because if African Americans and other minorities are not significantly represented in Maple Heights government (especially in full-time and high salaried and leadership positions), and there are no plans to address this, and money keeps flowing from African American tax payers who help pay city worker's salaries and benefits, to [what looks to be predominantly Caucasian] city workers and contractors (many) who live outside the city, then getting a levy passed, may be fought vigorously by African Americans in this city to vote against the levy.
Minorities are still significantly under represented even though African Americans are almost 70% (or more) of the population in Maple Heights. What are the city's plans to address this? This also needs to be discussed in a public meeting, because if African Americans and other minorities are not significantly represented in Maple Heights government (especially in full-time and high salaried and leadership positions), and there are no plans to address this, and money keeps flowing from African American tax payers who help pay city worker's salaries and benefits, to [what looks to be predominantly Caucasian] city workers and contractors (many) who live outside the city, then getting a levy passed, may be fought vigorously by African Americans in this city to vote against the levy.
African Americans in Maple Heights also want a concerned citizen's group, an independent civilian review board and an independent citizen's advisory board (where the mayor has no authority to appoint board members, and city council members have limited input), because they feel their needs and wants are not being met, and their voices disregarded by Maple Heights government employees (that includes all elected officials). Some residents feel that community policing is also necessary. Generally speaking, people who live in Maple Heights have a vested interest in making sure Maple Heights is a vibrant, safe, and economically sound city.
Note:
Note:
African Americans who have voiced concern about, or are fighting for, more diversity in Maple Heights government, and wish to discuss a range of other pertinent topics (like holding a public meeting), have reported break-ins and acts of vandalism, some even called racist, etc. Not sure what the connection is yet (if any).
[*Just learned from ESOP that Maple Heights is still either the worst or one of the highest in foreclosures in the county. That means the city is still losing thousands of dollars in property taxes. Why didn't the city do more to help homeowners hold onto their properties? What are they doing presently to help homeowners prevent foreclosure? And I don't want the mayor or other members of council to take credit for what councilman Richard Trojanski is doing to address home foreclosures all by himself.
Property values are still in decline, yet real estate companies are still listing property in the $90,000 range even with foreclosed homes all around. Why is HUD selling foreclosed homes to real estate investors for $15,000 to $20, 000, who then list the property for $80,000 to 94,000? There needs to be an investigation. Also why are we seeing a company called Corelogic (**CORELOGIC, 2500 WESTFIELD DR, ELGIN, IL 60124) listed for the tax mailing address of many of these properties?]
[*Just learned from ESOP that Maple Heights is still either the worst or one of the highest in foreclosures in the county. That means the city is still losing thousands of dollars in property taxes. Why didn't the city do more to help homeowners hold onto their properties? What are they doing presently to help homeowners prevent foreclosure? And I don't want the mayor or other members of council to take credit for what councilman Richard Trojanski is doing to address home foreclosures all by himself.
Property values are still in decline, yet real estate companies are still listing property in the $90,000 range even with foreclosed homes all around. Why is HUD selling foreclosed homes to real estate investors for $15,000 to $20, 000, who then list the property for $80,000 to 94,000? There needs to be an investigation. Also why are we seeing a company called Corelogic (**CORELOGIC, 2500 WESTFIELD DR, ELGIN, IL 60124) listed for the tax mailing address of many of these properties?]
[To be further edited]
To request public documents: Ohio Sunshine law manual
Related:
Cuyahoga County cities brace for property tax losses by Laura Johnston, July 9, 2012
Update:
Please read the July 25, 2012 Neighborhood News (section that talks about Maple Heights - reduction in mayor and council salary) and also responses to this post in the comment section.
Update on Corelogic:
The Illogic of CoreLogic, August 26, 2012
To request public documents: Ohio Sunshine law manual
Related:
Black America's Mobility Crisis by Jamelle Bouie, July 18, 2012
Cuyahoga County cities brace for property tax losses by Laura Johnston, July 9, 2012
Update:
Please read the July 25, 2012 Neighborhood News (section that talks about Maple Heights - reduction in mayor and council salary) and also responses to this post in the comment section.
Update on Corelogic:
The Illogic of CoreLogic, August 26, 2012
