Project Review Community Meeting

Subject: RTA's Project to replace its existing Rocky River Bus Loop that is located at intersection of Detroit and Detroit Extension

Location: Detroit Ave and Detroit Extension
Date: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 Time: 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Meeting Location: Lakewood Congregational Church

Address: 1375 West Clifton, Lakewood, OH Church Phone: (216) 221-9555

For additional information contact Ed Taylor via email below ,or phone: 216-566-5020

RTA Contact

Budget Hearings will begin on Tuesday, January 8th at 5:30 p.m. in the City Auditorium with the following agenda:

- Review of the City's Financial Structure & Budget/Expenditure Process
- Examination of City Financial Trends
- Review of City Mission, Vision & Goals
- Setting of the Budget Hearing Direction

LakewoodAlive members are encouraged to forward to Finance Director Jennifer Pae any budget questions or topics you would like covered prior to the start of the budget hearings. The city has serious budget issues to resolve and your engagement is critical.

Email Finance Director Pae

With the support of LakewoodAlive members, the first City Council meeting of 2008 on Monday, January 7 at 7:30 p.m. will be taped and aired on Cox Cable Channel 45 at 3PM on Sundays.

LakewoodAlive officers are working to expand broadcast options to access more viewers. The cost of taping, paid for with LakewoodAlive funds, is $75/session.

2008 City Council Meeting Schedule

Post-event survey of Main Street merchants indicates that 50% of merchants will put up more holiday lighting for this event in 2008.

Thirty-six percent said they will have advance promotions linked to Light Up Lakewood, and/or in-store promotions the day-of the event (more than one answer was accepted).

Forty-six percent of merchants reported an increase in sales over a "typical" Friday night.

Sixty percent experienced an increase in foot traffic.

"Street Closing , "Lighting Ceremony" and "Street Decorations" were the elements which rated highest as being the most essential for this successful event.

ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING COMMITTEE
John Mitterholzer, LakewoodAlive member and former Main Street director for Nashua New Hampshire, has agreed to chair this important Main Street Lakewood committee. The Economic Restructuring Committee focuses on retaining existing businesses, recruiting new ones and converting unused space into productive property. Job #1 will be completing an inventory of the district.

CERTIFICHECKS
More than $4300 worth of Lakewood Gift Certificates were sold during the 6 week holiday season. This effort exceeded our 1st year goal by 43%. Lakewood Gift Certificates can be purchased throughout the year at Phoenix Coffee. Additional sales locations throughout the community will be added in 2008. CertifiChecks administrative costs were borne by LakewoodAlive and Lakewood Community Progress Inc.

RETAIL NEWS
Melt Bar & Grilled is planning an expansion into the space formerly occupied by Kathy's Sewing Center. Kathy's Sewing Center is moving into a beautifully renovated first floor space in the building formerly occupied by Harrison's Furniture and now the corporate headquarters for Aladdins Eatery Systems. A win-win for Main Street Lakewood!