The History Park- 1812- 201 hundred years – a recorded city park – Veterans Park Lorain Ohio

ED NOTE_ I wrote this last year as the park now known as Veteran’s Park was celebrating 200 years as a recorded park- I am not sure why I didn’t publish at the time – maybe I was in one of my “dark places in my other world where apathy for this life reigns supreme” – I don’t know but as we are coming up to Pride Day and Memorial Day I would hope there is no apathy from any of us for this little green space -

Two hundred years a deeded city property since 1812 – HAPPY ANNIVERSARY????
iS THIS HOW WE CELEBRATE – LORAIN??????????????

I started, yesterday afternoon, to write the recent history of veterans Park aka settlement meeting space, Lorain Public Square, Washington Park and Veterans Park , Lorain Ohio. – Oh! how easy it would have been to have gone back to January 2006 archives on the WoM Blog and list the links but that has disappeared and with it a record of a fight by a community to hold what was deemed worthy.

In the closing months of 2005 the Foltin Administration along with Community Development Director Sandy Prudoff, Jon Veard and Morning Journal editor – John Cole, in their infinite wisdom, decided the historic park should be condos. Foltin and Co started the wheels in motion to make this little park unworthy of its heritage .

Mayor Foltin quietly stopped work and maintenance on the park so that after a period of months the park and its infrastructure started to rapidly deteriorate. The fountain no longer was turned on, said to have major problems ( which turned out later to be a false statement)- graffiti wasn’t removed – only the grass was cut – the vagrants were allowed to use it as John Cole’s editorial stated as a “piss park”. In truth Craig Miller the Safety Service Director told me the park would be “blighted”. Events happened when Jon Veard let the plans out of the bag prematurely and I, along with others, started fighting to stop this fiasco of finance.

It was a nasty fight pitting Veterans groups and the community- I was the subject of editorials and nasty letters , name calling and ridicule but we fought for that park.

Thankfully city council ( who had also been kept in the dark about Foltin and Co’s plans ) stepped in and saved the park. Foltin tried to say the pumps weren’t working on the fountain and it would cost thousands to repair, walls would have to be taken down this was not the case. He tried to use the veterans as a tool to sway city council . You can find the council minutes here …..
Minutes Vets Park City Council June 5th

I have been down this path once before - No more turning a deaf ear and a blind eye and doing just enough- The maintenance on the park, the safety of this park the heart of this oldest neighborhood, an integral part of the port area and Broadway development should be a showcase. People and organizations have cleaned painted and honored their citizens in this park for centuries . We have to stop the rot NOW!!

Children should play under those trees not have to worry about who is doing what disgusting thing , people should sit on benches without having to move bedding , I should be able to sit a listen to a fountain and smell the perfumed breezes of flowers not of human excrement . ( check comments after the previous post). This little park is in fact not very large , some “upmarket” properties have more land mass. It is manageable!

http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/08/18/the-progess-then-and-now-veterans-park-lorain-ohio/
On the 7th of September 2006 I wrote – Silent Witness

“Nothing but a place for deadbeats and bums!” “ It has outlived its purpose” There is nothing historical about that park!” The city can’t afford to keep it up” It is a “piss park!!Nobody uses it, it is worthless!

So said John Cole and his editorials

The year is 1807 Azariah Beebe and his wife becomes the first family to settle in Black River Township. Nathan and Horatio Perry erect a house at the mouth of Black River and open a store for trade with the Indians. The area begins to be known as the Black River settlement.

“Of the first settlers, some men walked the entire distance from Connecticut and other places, some rode horseback part way, sharing the horse with others. Some rode in ox carts; some drove oxen; some came part way by land, and the rest by water; some came on sleds in mid winter; some plowed through the mud of spring or endured the heat of summer, some had bleeding feet and some serious illness.

Sometimes it was a bride and groom who started alone; sometimes it was a husband, wife and children; sometimes it was a group of neighbors who made the trip. Children were born on the way and people of all ages died and were buried where they died.
But after they arrived, their experience was almost identical.

A removal into the depths of the Ohio woods, where a man was directly placed face to face with primitive conditions, brought him at once to the practical contemplation of his problem and the solution was in his own hands; food, shelter, raiment. Here was the earth, whose soil was to furnish bread and clothing, but it was covered with a thick growth of great trees to be removed before it could be planted. Their trunks and barks must be converted into houses.

A temporary supply of food was carried by the immigrant with him. In making his way to his purchase he pursued the trail that led nearest to it, and, with his ax, opened the rest of the way. The point gained, the same implement cut down and prepared the tree trunks for the first cabin, which the hands of the whole party, women and children as well, helped to place in the low crude walls of the primitive structure, while the bark of the basswood and elm made the cover. Doorless, floorless, windowless, chimneyless, the pioneer eagerly took possession of his cheerless cabin.

Thousands of them within 70 years were built and occupied in the Lorain woods. Men and women lived in them there; and children – all the elders of the new generation – were born in them. Death came in them there; and there young women became brides and dwelt the happy wives of happy husbands
.
Of all the dwellings in the woods, scarcely the site of one can now be identified.
Next to the erection of their own cabin, the most important event was the arrival of another family in the woods and the erection of their dwelling received the joyous help of every male within 10 miles of it
No one born of later years can comprehend the strength and warmth of the bands of sympathy and fellowship, which united the first dwellers in the woods in wide neighborhoods.”

A History of Lorain J.B. Nichols 1924

In the next 5 years the little settlement grows all the while they struggle the new nation continues the birthing process.

1807 UK Leopard fires on the US Chesapeake and impresses 4 men
1807 September 1 Burr is acquitted of treason
1807 December Congress passes TJ’s Embargo Act banned all US trade to keep it neutral. Failure. Manufacturing N benefited. S and shipping hurt bad
1808 US bans the slave trade
1809 March 1 Non-Intercourse Act. repealed Embargo, open trade but not with UK&Fr
1810 Macon’s Bill #2;if 1 country accepts US neutrality US would trade
1810 Napoleon falsely repeals the Berlin and Milan decrees
1811 November WH Harrison’s troops ambushed by “the Prophet”
1812 state of US troops: ~12000. Commanders political appointees, weak
1812 June 18 US declares war on UK
1812 July William Hull (US) tries to invade Canada. rooted. Hull sentenced to death for cowardice. Madison pardons
1812 August-December the US Constitution and United States win sea battles, raise morale
1812 December Madison reelected. (every wartime president has been reelected)
1812 December UK blockade of Chesapeake and Delaware Bays

and in the little settlement , now Lorain, Ohio, they also contribute to the founding of a country , of a state of a city
1808 Ferry charges across Black River: hog and sheep (each) – two cents; footman – six cents; man and horse – eighteen cents; loaded wagon and team – sixty cents; and all other carriages – thirty-seven cents. On July 22, 1808 local groups petition Geauga County Commissioners to have Lake Road continued on toward Sandusky. Lake Road is surveyed by Amos Spafford.

1810 John S. Reid arrives to build a house, then returns to Newburgh (near Cleveland) to get his family. Daniel Perry and family settle west of Black River in early March of 1810. The Shupe, Quigley, Lyon, Kelso and Seeley families settle in or near the Black River Settlement. On September 24,
1811 John S. Reid’s family moves to the area. William Martin establishes a farm, three miles west of Black River, on the little stream once called “Martin’s Run” (which runs through what is now Columbus Park). Quartus and Aretus Gilmore join the Black River Settlement.

1812 Edmund Gilmore and family move to Black River. Edmund Gilmore builds county’s first barn. John S. Reid is commissioned Postmaster for “The Mouth of the Black River Post Office”, October 23, 1812. John S. Reid builds the Reid House Inn and Tavern. John S. Reid builds a ferry opposite his block house. Judge Nathan Perry, Sr., (from Cleveland, Ohio) passes away while visiting his son, Nathan Perry in Lorain. Azariah Beebe and his family left the Black River Settlement, relocating on the Huron River to the West. John Lyon is born. He is the first White child born in the Black River Territory. On August 15, 1812 the news of Hull’s surrender to the British fans rumors of a British invasion of Ohio. A “War Scare” is started by a false report of the burning and capture of Fort Huron by Indians. A Militia post is established at Black River to ensure citizenry that they could safely return to their homes and cabins.

***1812 recorded Lorain Public Square (According to Lorain County Recorder Judy Nedwick, the park has been a part of the plat of Charleston since 1812. Since that time, the county records show, the park has remained property of the city. Morning Journal Jan19th 2006

1813 Guns of the Battle of Lake Erie can be heard at Black River on September 10,

1813. Legend has it that Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman) planted apple trees in this area and informed settlers of the results of the Battle of Lake Erie.

The decades roll by; those who form this community are born and die, are greeted and mourned, are forgotten or are remembered in the pages of dusty history books. They all contributed, those who sat beneath the trees, played in the grass, watched as horse and buggy gave way to automobiles.

All through the wars and trials and tribulations stood a little place of green, sometimes forlorn, sometimes beautiful and cared for and then in the year, 2006 insulted and deemed worthless.

This silent witness who cannot speak for itself and so has to rely upon the sons and daughters of those that now call this “settlement “ home. Those who see the beauty and the living green memorial to those who through the years have founded a Nation- The United States of America- silent yet in it’s own way a testament of all that has gone before.

Lorain will not have any “formal ” celebration this year of the Battle of Lake Erie , as will other lakeshore communities, but the City of Lorain and her citizens can at least make sure the little green space who witnessed America’s struggle in 2013 is worthy of remembrance

Spring and Pride Returns to Lorain -MAY 18TH

All you need to do is drive past 2nd and Oberlin , or along 1st to Hamilton and you will see the colors of hope and rebirth happening.

The hundreds of bulbs planted last fall are now taking their spring time bow in their new “staging”.

Tiny little Speedwells left over from a garden from long ago, the owner long since gone and forgotten from this world. Even the house in whose garden they were lovingly planted has gone but still their fragile blooms recall a life of another era. They are here, still a reminder of what this place had become until 2007 – THE BEAUTY HIDDEN AMONGST THE TRASH AND WEEDS and now once again another May in another decade they bloom and beckon back the “pride”

MAY 18TH 2013 PRIDE DAY !

IT WAS THE “PRIDE” IN THIS COMMUNITY THAT BROUGHT BACK THE BEAUTY! and allowed the blossoms to thrive once again.

BEFORE…………………… AFTER

BEFORE AND A JUST A FEW MONTHS AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Today the pride is in place , it is the beginning of rebirth for this old neighborhood

Soon the power lines will also be but a memory ! We have no time to relax May 18th starting at 9:00 we will need to focus on Pride once more . Please join us in keeping our Pride for Settlers” Watch, The Eric Barnes Heroes Walk and the Admiral King Tribute Site.

If you can help with mulching and weeding, planting and or donations please contact me , Loraine 440-246-6046

If you would like to “take Pride” in another area of Lorain please do the following – YOU, can put the I in Pride !!!!!

The Cowboys of Lorain- (PT. 6) thoughts from the corral – drive-by and fix

Part One -
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/the-cowboys-of-lorain-building-standards-part-one/

Part Two http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/the-cowboys-of-lorain-part-two-the-demo-men/

Part Threehttp://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/the-cowboys-of-lorain-the-process-q-and-a-part-three/

Part Four http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/cowboys-of-lorain-are-they-gonna-call-q-and-a-part-four/

Part Fivehttp://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/cowboys-of-lorain-occupy-lorain-rentals-part-5/

I was naive in my beliefs of accountability for older housing stock. I admit it – I sit in my den typing and looking out at my neighborhood- I watch the deterioration on a daily basis.

My icon house sits and reminds me of the “process” nearly 40 years of watching the inadequacy of the PROCESS that is the City of Lorain, the Building Department and Inspectors rights as per the property Maintenance Code of Lorain-

Property Maintenance Lorain ( seems to be an oxymoron). You would think I should have realized, after the decades of watching, the Process is PHUTT!!!!! The guys in the white hats have no ammunition

My conclusions after reviewing the answers ON THE INFAMOUS PROCESS is as following:

1. To have work inspected on this glut of poor housing – we are dependent upon the honesty and integrity of people who allow this:

2. We are dependant upon side walk inspections or having a kindly neighbor let us have a look from their property- Some of the Neighbors

http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/rape-of-lorain-literally-determining-the-health-of-my-neighborhood/

3. We are a drive- by community in more ways than one.

4. The cry of we need more inspectors( under the current system ) is as laughable as the restrictions under which they have to “inspect”.

5. To inspect property in this way may “pretty up” the outside to a standard that is lacking but “fixed”???? as per the fix after the latest drive by of the historic property on our main thoroughfare owned by

CHRULSKI LAWRENCE J and HARRIET ANN
2910 SHADYLAKE DR VERMILION, OH 44089 -

This former home of another of Lorain’s Mayors was inspected by the drive by inspectors ( presumably ) and it was fixed to the minimum of standards – YOU BE THE JUDGE!!! If you ask for the minimum that is what you get!

Click on to enlarge

You can powder and paint an old whore but the insides are still rotten – and it is those rotten insides that cause the health and safety issues for those that dwell within these homes. It is dangerous but hey! we have gutters at least !

Like many of you who are not in the “Business of Rental” I thought we had some accountability , a system in place to hold those that do this to properties to a higher standard. I was wrong….

The current “way forward” is laughable at best and killing this community at worst.

To Be Continued….

Cowboys of Lorain- OCCUPY – LORAIN – RENTALS Part 5

Part One

http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/the-cowboys-of-lorain-building-standards-part-one/

Part Two
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/the-cowboys-of-lorain-part-two-the-demo-men/
Part Three
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/the-cowboys-of-lorain-the-process-q-and-a-part-three/

Part Four
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/cowboys-of-lorain-are-they-gonna-call-q-and-a-part-four/

Remembering when? February 2008 ( 5 years ago) Lorain County Photographers Blog did an interview with Bill Desvari ( the infamous Chief Building Inspector – now deceased) part of which touched upon “Occupancy Permits for Rentals”- the whole interview can be found here:
http://www.locophotogblog.com/?p=82

But in part:

At the time of this interview, Bill told me there were 10,340 rental properties in the city of Lorain. Ordinance 126.97 requires housing inspections every 5 years. It’s never be enforced, and at a charge of $50 apiece, why wasn’t it happening, since it could bring in over half a million dollars? Most of the owners live outside the city, and really don’t make too much of an effort to keep up their properties. He went to then-Mayor Craig Foltin about this, and it took 18 months for anything to happen. (Craig’s being a part of the LELA have anything to do with this?-hh)

When the ball finally got rolling, with then-Council-at-Large Tony Krasienko watching close to make sure things ran correctly, two inspectors were able to do 1700 inspections in 2006. But it wasn’t as easy as that. One inspector had health problems, another substance problems. For the most part, in 2006, there was only one inspector working at any given time. And that was made more difficult by the fact that most of the owners were hiding and not responding to inquiries.

The Landlord’s Assoc was asked to provide addresses. The Law director told him they couldn’t fine the people, as it was an infringement of 1st amendment rights. Mark Provenza reviewed it for a long time, and Desvari told him the fine is already in Ord. 1501.99, anything in Chapter 15 can be fined $1000, that it’s been there since 1978. He was not blaming Mark, but it hadn’t been used, and now they’re able to take people to court.

Craig Miller called him ( Desvari) and told him that KENT SUTTON only wanted to do exterior inspections.

Note that woman : Ah HA!!! there is that name again KENT SUTTON in order to jog the readers memory:
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/07/08/for-rent-one-city-who-dictates-the-health-of-your-neighborhood/

****The system is set up to fail, and it needs revamped*** said Bill Desvari ( and coming from him that is a revelation

Truer Words were never spoken!!!!!!

Back to today and 5 years later: The Questions re occupancy

QUESTION – THAT WOMAN
I have, as the property owner , caulked the leaks, done my wiring and plumbing dry walled etc. – put in new fixtures prettied up the property and now I want an occupancy permit for rental.

What is the procedure and who authorizes the occupancy permit? Do they come into the property and inspect? How many rental occupancy permits are there currently in the city of Lorain? How do you keep track of the “rentals”- is there a rental register? For example according to my research there are 10,177 occupied rentals in this city are there the same amount of occupancy permits issued ( taking into account more than one rental in a unit). How many occupancy permits have been issued?

THE CITY ANSWERS

The Building Department oversees and authorizes the occupancy permit. If the Building Department approves of the work after the final inspection, they issue an occupancy permit. As long as the property owner invites the Building Department, they can inspect the inside of the home.
A property is supposed to ask for an occupancy permit as well as require a rental certificate. To try to keep track of rentals, we review the rental certificates we have issued. But, to stay on top of this, the number of employees are just not currently present to review rentals, not just the ones who have applied for a rental certificate.

Of the 3,693 vacant dwellings how does the dept. covering the “occupancy permit” know when any of these are rented?

THE CITY ANSWERS

Unless a rental certificate application is received, the City wouldn’t know if these dwellings are being rented.
Again, with the limited staff, the number of employees do not allow the Building Department to be proactive on this front. The Building Department does try to review any properties with “For Rent” signs or review the paper in order to match homes with rental certificates.

QUESTION THAT WOMAN

Does an occupancy permit cover those who “rent to own?”

THE CITY ANSWERS

I am not entirely sure of an answer on this. As stated previously, an occupancy permit is issued for anyone who applies for a permit with approval. “Rent to Own” is not actually a rental; the “tenant” is actually in the buying process. If the Building Department comes across a property they believe to be a rental, they request the owner provide documentation to show the “rent to own” status.

QUESTION – THAT WOMAN
How often does a landlord need to renew an occupancy permit? – Is it yearly, 5 years etc. or on the basis of new tenant occupying the building?

THE CITY ANSWERS

An occupancy permit last for 3 years, as long as ownership doesn’t change.
How much is an occupancy permit? $50 for rental; $75 for duplex

QUESTION – THAT WOMAN
What IS inspected in order to gain an occupancy permit? For instance mold, structural safety, electrical, plumbing???In depth please.

THE CITY ANSWERS

If it is rental, the inspectors follow the International Property Maintenance Code. I am sorry I cannot provide a more detailed answer.

FOLLOW UP QUESTION – THAT WOMAN

In the city of Lorain when and if a landlord asks for an occupancy permit – what is looked at by an inspector ( I know it has to meet the International property maintenance code) but if an inspector goes into the dwelling does he look at structure, electrical, plumbing to see if that meets the code- what do they “inspect” floor boards, roof plumbing what items on the check list are looked at to see if a dwelling meets the minimum code ?????

THE CITY ANSWERS

Not every inspector is certified in all areas. For example, our Electrical Inspector does not have the certification to inspect other types of work. However, for property maintenance code, the inspectors have a general checklist of what they inspect. I have attached the “Exterior Checklist” and the “Interior Checklist” for your review.

NOTE… INTERIOR INSPECTION CHECKLIST PDF FILE FOUND HERE

Interior Inspection Checklist

QUESTION THAT WOMAN
If a tenant calls for an inspection of the home is it accurate to say the inspector can only inspect the “complaint” for instance if it is the wiring that is an issue can they cite for rotting floor boards?

THE CITY ANSWERS

For a rental, the inspectors can cite for other concerns visible to the inspector. Typically, the tenant will point all the complaints to the inspector.

QUESTION THAT WOMAN
Is there a point of sale inspection in Lorain – if not why not- and is there any legal reason there cannot be a “point of deed transfer inspection” to negate the property from changing hands within a group or family to get around any point of sale inspection.
THE CITY ANSWERS

Not currently. Point of sale is used in other cities. As to my knowledge, no point of sale ordinances have been overturned.

QUESTION THAT WOMAN

PHOTO TAKEN MARCH 19TH 2011
Also re the question of blue tarps as roofs- is there any time limit as to how long a temporary roof fix is allowed? For example the one property on 329 Hamilton has had the temporary fix for 3 years-(NOTE: I wrote about this particular property in March 2011

http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/undecided-no-9-lorain-city-schools/

Hurricane Sandy blew most of it away and they have now put up a new blue tarp- What are the rues if any for temporary fixes and does anyone inspect those temporary fixes as to times?
TODAY ‘S PHOTO JANUARY 30TH 2013

THE CITY ANSWERS

When the Building Department sees these types of homes, they send a notice to the property owner requesting the anticipated fix to the roof.

Ah that explains it : Driving Blind a probability????? Maybe the city could use some help? I know a judge that must not be seeing his handiwork as he tootles along in Lorain passing by another of George Schneider properties
a href=”http://thatwoman.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/judge-mihok.jpg”&gt;<
Does the good judge ever drive past 1965 E 28th Street and wonder if the Building Dept and the City of Lorain will come before his court again with 1965 E 28th Street ?

and now it seems we have inspectors “Oblivious to the BLUES”- to be continued _ LORAIN IS FEEDING UPON ITSELF
Illustration Cat Scott SOURCE

Cowboys of Lorain- ARE THEY GONNA CALL? Q and A Part Four

Part One
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/the-cowboys-of-lorain-building-standards-part-one/

Part Two
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/the-cowboys-of-lorain-part-two-the-demo-men/

Part three
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/the-cowboys-of-lorain-the-process-q-and-a-part-three/

CONTINUING THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: note the red flags EMPHASIS MINE

QUESTION – THAT WOMAN

If I have done some work (for example) rewiring – is it up to me as the property owner to request an inspection?

THE CITY ANSWERS:

The property owner MUST REQUEST AN INSPECTION.

The Building Department cannot enter private property without permission.

QuESTION- THAT WOMAN
If so,( REFERRING TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) is the responsibility put on the property owner to contact the Building Dept. Is there any follow up on the building permits pulled as to the condition/ quality of work being done and in a timely manner?

THE CITY ANSWERS:

Yes. At the bottom of the permit, several different job types are listed. When work is completed on these jobs,

“THE OWNERS ARE TO CALL the Building Department” for review. However, the Building Department may not know when work is completed until the owner calls.

QUESTION – THAT WOMAN
Can the property owner still refuse entry to the property for inspection even with a building permit ? Does that limit the inspections from the sidewalk only unless the house is open and unsecured?

THE CITY ANSWERS:

Property owners can refuse entry by our inspectors.

Inspectors are free to do inspections from the sidewalk as well as inspections from the view of a neighboring property, provided the neighbor grants permission to go onto their property to view concerns. If the house is unsecured, the inspector can obtain search warrants in order to enter the property.

PDF FILE – EXTERIOR INSPECTION LIST FOUND HERE :
Exterior Inspection Checklist

FOLLOW UP QUESTION – THAT WOMAN

Just to be clear – are you saying if the work is done on the inside of the property by the property owner unless they agree to let the inspectors in to inspect the work you cannot inspect the work done?

THE CITY ANSWERS:

I have attached “Entry to other structures” for your review. This document outlines the laws restricting access to private property by an inspector. But, to answer your question, the owner has to allow the inspector into his home.

The PDF file ‘ENTRY TO OTHER STRUCTURES ‘ FOUND HERE
Entry to other structures

FOLLOW UP -QUESTION – THAT WOMAN

In essence would I be correct in saying that “we in Lorain are going upon TRUST the property owner will call to have an inspection and if they don’t is there any recourse????

THE CITY ANSWERS:

In talking with Mr. Klinar, over 3800 permits were pulled this past year. With the number of employees we have, we cannot check up on all projects to see how much progress is being done.

Plus, being invited in to review the work also complicates items. Therefore, with the limited number of employees, we wait until the homeowner requests an inspection. As for recourse, unless we inspect it, the City cannot do much.

Note TW …Handcuffed AND STUFFED comes to mind …….

To Be Continued

The Cowboys of Lorain- THE PROCESS- Q and A Part three

Part One
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/the-cowboys-of-lorain-building-standards-part-one/

Part Two

http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/the-cowboys-of-lorain-part-two-the-demo-men/

As Chief Building Inspector Richard Klinar answered a question put to him by yours truly at the Demolition Appeals meeting with:

” Mrs. Ritchey there is a “process” to be followed you can’t inspect the windows unless the walls are up”

Well! I was amazed and dumfounded!!!!! – I really hadn’t realized that would have been necessary ( for those not familiar with me this is pure sarcasm!).

Although my question wasn’t fully answered which dealt with are “all inside inspections based on a request of the property owner?” his mention of “process” did lead me to ask of the Administration – in particular Derek Feuerstein ( Chief of Staff) for the City of Lorain. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his quick responses to the following questions and information ( re PDF files) ( EMPHASIS MINE -TW)

QUESTION THAT WOMAN:
Hypothetically I have an older property that I have purchased which is in dire need of rehab- Can you please answer and or expand on the questions on the “process” I, as the property owner, goes through to bring the property up to “minimum” code?

Firstly: what exactly is the minimum code the City of Lorain follows- re electrical, plumbing, HV , structure etc. where would I find that information . Is asbestos and mold abatement taken into account in the minimum code for Lorain? If, as I was informed this morning, the state decides our codes why is it surrounding communities such as Lakewood seem to have a higher standard of what is acceptable in their communities?

CITY ANSWERS:
The City of Lorain follows the Ohio Residential Code 2012 for their minimum standards. No asbestos and mold abatement is conducted. In speaking with a rep from the city’s health department, he indicated no policy in the State of Ohio dictates mold levels within a home. Our inspections, for construction, are based on the Ohio Residential Code 2012, but not for maintenance. Every city adopts their own type of maintenance codes; Lorain chose to adopt the International Property Maintenance Code.

QUESTION – THAT WOMAN:

Assuming I am rehabbing a property for possible rental- I am NOT a licensed and bonded contractor just a property owner who plans on acting as my own contractor – I pull a building permit to do the work – Is this a blanket permit or do I pull permits for electrical, plumbing structure separately? What is the cost of such a permit and how long is the permit good for.

CITY ANSWERS:

The City of Lorain does not issue blanket permits. Each permit is for a specific job. Every permit is separate, no blanket permits are given. All permits are a percentage of the overall cost of the project. I have included a fee structure sheet for you.
NOTE THE PDF FILE FOR THE FEES CAN BE FOUND HERE
20130118151839773.pdf

( also you will need to rotate the pdf view)

QUESTION – THAT WOMAN:
If the permit is good for a specified period of time and I have been unable (for various reasons) to accomplish any of the proposed work on the property can I pull another permit after the aforesaid permit expires – how many times am I able to do this- Is there any documentation given to the city the property owner has the funds to complete the project?

CITY ANSWERS:

The permit is valid for one year. However, you must start the work within 6 months of being issued the permit. An individual with a valid permit can request for an extension for up to 6 months. If after this extension, the individual must apply for a brand new permit. The Building Department does not require proof of funds for repair in order to receive a permit.

Follow Up – QUESTION- THAT WOMAN:
How many times can a property owner apply for the permit can he/she just keep applying for a new permit into infinity or is there a limit to the number of times a permit can be pulled for the same property and job of work?

CITY ANSWERS:

I have attached “Permit Approval code section” for your review on permits. According to section 105.4, two extensions can be granted. After those extensions, the code does not restrict anyone from filing a brand new application for a permit.

PDF File – Permit Approval Code found here
Permit Extension code section

NOTE: TW- I feel a little voice in my head saying “infinity and beyond” -

to be CONTINUED

The Cowboys of Lorain- Part Two -The Demo Men!

click on to enlarge

Part One:

http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/the-cowboys-of-lorain-building-standards-part-one/

I sat in the audience of a meeting with regard to Demolitions on Jan 18th at Lorain City Hall. The process was very polite and controlled – The Board Members trying their level best to be responsive , polite and to give due process in order to shy away from “law suits” against the city due to not following the procedures.The actions were very deliberate and staying within given parameters.

That is how we are different nowadays from the old west – we couch our opinions so as not to offend so we aren’t dragged into another courtroom. Most of the business on hand was cut and dried , only three of the homes set for demolition had anyone speak for them.

One was the home covered in Busters House Blog
http://bustershouse.wordpress.com/2013/01/13/as-seen-in-lorain-3620-clifton-avenue-and-the-second-chance/

and the following post
http://bustershouse.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/as-seen-in-lorain-3620-clifton-avenue-and-the-second-second-chance/

3620 Clifton, Lorain with photos purchased two years ago for TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS – judge for yourself if this can be brought to a livable SAFE- quality of life dwelling for $17,000. I sincerely hope so – let us hope it becomes the poster child for HOW REHAB SHOULD BE DONE!

It is my understanding that the owners of 3620 Clifton presented an acceptable plan to the Board and will have to bring proof of progress to the next meeting on February 28th.

I know what I thought as I listened and I have a bridge in Brooklyn too, but fair is fair they, the owners ( JOHNSON NATHANIEL BARBEE JOSEPH
240 BRACE STREET ELYRIA, OH 44035) were there appealing the demolition decision they wanted to be heard as is their right and they were.

Alright, so they may have not been exactly truthful when stating the week before they only owned the property for a year- it was two- and those back taxes well that was literally not answered . But they got their “stay of demolition” to give them a chance at rehab.

Then this chap came up to the microphone,he rose with difficulty from his seat, he stumbled,limped his way across the floor , his face clouded with anxiety. He looked like he needed to be cared for and seemingly having the weight of the world on his shoulders – I actually felt sorry for this poor old geezer– er that is until I found out it was the infamous George Schneider - he of numerous blog posts and owner of hundreds of properties in this community.

http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/george-schneider-appealing-properties-or-wheres-the-judgement/

http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/09/09/george-schneider-4-years-and-still-timely-fame-it-and-shame-it/

I don’t know who I was more annoyed with - myself- for almost being taken in by his demeanor or the fact Georgie Porgy was asking for yet another of his properties to be given a 2nd chance. The appeals board denied his appeal but I bet you anything you like George’s attorney – Brett English will be back on the case “appealing” to a higher court.( Watch this space)

As I sat there with other audience members, I realized there were three scenarios happening in those chambers- all having different agendas- There was:

The Board - trying to be fair and equitable giving chances and listening to the ones appealing within the framework of the “process” – their faces thoughtful and polite.

The Pleaders – give us another chance puleeeeeeeze ( for any number of “reasons” as to why their property deemed unsafe etc. should be given another chance –

The Community – with the glut of diseased and disgraceful housing in our neighborhoods- we sat there wanting MORE- wanting to say what we really thought – not to be constricted by PC thinking or silenced by “The Process”- our faces- if not the spoken word- reflected on how we truly felt .

The Good – The Bad – and The UGLY

The Cowboys of Lorain- ( Building standards) Part One

Being the expat I am, I bring with me some terminology sometimes lost to my US readers and “community” . For more years than I care to remember I have “bitched” about the quality and lack of care given to the “rehabs” by the mega landlords who

“run their BUSINESSES of rental” in this community . Look on any of the streets in this old neighborhood the examples are there - there are those rehab to minimum standards- all that is “legally required of them”…. more on that later.

THE COWBOYS

Before it had any special application to America, cowboy was used in England with the obvious meaning: “a boy who took care of cows.” Or he could have been a man, for boy implied not only youth and boyish attitudes but also low status.
SOURCE

Although the descriptive but uncomplimentary word cowboy was already around, Americans did invent two new meanings for it. The first, now forgotten meaning came during the American Revolution. It was the revolutionary patriots' term for pro-British raiders who operated in the boundary between American and British forces in Westchester County, New York. They harassed and plundered the rural districts; a later writer said;they went around in the bushes armed with guns and tinkling a cow-bell so as to beguile the patriots into the brush hunting for cows.

after the Civil War, when for two decades thousands of cowboys drove millions of longhorn cattle from Texas to the new transcontinental railroads in Kansas and Colorado. The English speakers who first settled the Southwest had learned the skills of controlling cattle from Spanish-speaking vaqueros, a name translated crudely as buckaroos.

SOURCE

But those who hired the minimum-wage, equal-opportunity horsemen for the big cattle drives of 1866-86 simply called them cowboys, a term attested as early as 1849, and that was the name that stuck. And though they were poorly paid and worked under the harshest conditions, or perhaps just because of those circumstances, the cowboy became the most enduring legend of the American West. Building on this legend, cowboy today still is used to mean someone who is reckless, impulsive, and dangerous

http://www.answers.com/topic/cowboy#ixzz2IY0AKBh3

In Britain “cowboy” is a slang term for
An unscrupulous, incompetent, or reckless person in business, esp. an unqualified one. We have a lot of fly by night “so-called ” unlicensed contractors whose work is in the best scenario lacking in quality and in the worst case down right dangerous.

The cowboy builders , contractors and they can be a problem in my “old country”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2139559/Cowboy-builder-nailed-TV-sting-370-000-rip-jailed.html

Avoiding cowboy builders
http://www.ratedpeople.com/m/advice/trade-insight/building/cowboy-builders.html

but surely here in Lorain the “cowboy ” has to TO ANSWER TO LAW AND ORDER- THE BIG GUNS SO TO SPEAK

About Building Department – Lorain Ohio

Functions

The Department was established tos administer and enforce the provisions of the Lorain Building, Housing and Zoning Codes plus the National Electric Code and State Building, Plumbing and Elevator Codes.
The Department’s two primary functions:
•Plan Examination and
•Code Enforcement

The Department registers building contractors, issues permits, maintains records, inspects all new construction and major rehabilitations engages in systematic code enforcement programs for existing properties and provides nuisance abatement to properties and buildings in disrepair.

Mission Statement

To contribute to Lorain’s urban renaissance by preserving and strengthening neighborhoods through ambitious code enforcement.

Code Services

To inspect structures for the purpose of enforcing the City of Lorain’s building, housing and zoning codes and to Ohio’s Building Codes, maintain uniform standards and requirements of residential, commercial and individual buildings.

Future Plans
•Foster higher levels of expertise in the building inspection department by encouraging education and growth among existing staff.
•Develop Housing Division to spearhead property maintenance and zoning issues.
•A Revenue Development to insure all funds currently allowed by legislation are collected for the common good and stability of the city.
•Re-establish City of Lorain Board of Building Commission to further reinforce standard for quality in residences, buildings, and structures throughout the City of Lorain.

THE QUESTION ? ARE THE INSPECTORS THE ONES HANDCUFFED?????? TO BE CONTINUED…….

The Continuing Time Warner Cable (Guys)

The follow on :

http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/time-warner-cable-guys-they-came-they-saw-they/

So all was well Thursday until Friday night at 7:38 when the pixelating once again started to show up. Friday night the wind was blowing and a lot was happening- I thought maybe the outage may have been a general outage.
Saturday was no better so I called the number I was given incase I had problems again. Within the hour the “cable guys” arrived saw the the pixelating for themselves .

Now here is where it gets interesting – I have had internet since 1995 BUT I have had cable TV since the mid 1980″s – during that time the television set have been moved from one side of the house to the middle to other side. After much up and downing in that “horrendous basement domain”( belonging to my husband) it seems at one point older cable was spliced into newer cable. However we had then had a furnace put in and the cable was on top of the ductwork with a “splitter”.

This apparently was the spot where the trouble was happening. Without taking down the ductwork they couldn’t be sure so they ran a new inside cable to the television and so far so good it has been nearly a week and I haven’t had any issues.

So that is me sorted I hope but as one commentator wrote

what about US

. As I know there are more of you out there and quite frankly if it is not a “general outage” then each household in Lorain will have to be dealt with on an individual basis .

How do we go about that when the call centers etc. are not local.I have a few thoughts but would welcome suggestions as to how to make the technicians aware of our problems without having to send letters to the FCC and CEO of Time Warner ?

Time Warner Cable – guys they came – they saw- they ……..

So the trucks arrived – the techs arrived and it looks like at the moment (although at the moment the television is telling me it is downloading software and at 10 percent done ) the pixelating and issues are a thing of my past.

This is what they did

They changed the drop line from an RG 59 to an RG 6 cable -
they changed out two F connectors- and changed the “box” from a “digital box” to the new High Defintion box…..

I will say they were very nice and polite and never made mention as to the dust and state of the basement ( where they amplifier they put in last time resides) – I am NOT responsible for the state of the basement that is “Sir’s” domain- I will hold my hand up as to the dust though!

They also suggested people call with their problems errrrrrrrrr yeah I think from the comments on the Chronicle article of today

http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2012/12/19/spotty-cable-service-has-lorain-residents-turning-on-provider/ and the comments from the blog post- people have been doing that- But hey call again folks maybe this time around they might hear you and you might check and see if you have a digital box or a high-definition box just sayin’