May 3rd- Words are all I have- Chris Ritchey
Words- text- communication through a written language. Reading was always difficult for you as a little boy you were at the beginning of a local failing school system. A system that had to show progress, so although you had the extra classes , they passed you through as completing their grant driven reading programs. It wasn’t until the 5th grade we found out , when I had you privately tested, just how bad the problem was. Three years of catch-up and a change to private education.
Those years were hard for you , you thought you must be “stupid”. However, you also developed a skill of communicating “visually” . Eventually reading caught up with your ability to use your art to communicate. You found a niche for your talent at Lorain County Community College https://www.lorainccc.edu/
and on the advice of the college you transferred to Cleveland Institute of Art
artwork Chris Ritchey
It was at the students art show at Cleveland Institute of Art , I was looking at some of your designs etc. I noticed a couple of mistakes in the text. I spoke to the your instructor that evening about the mistakes in the text. He looked at me and said :
“that is not a problem , we can teach and correct spelling etc. what I can’t teach is what your son has, his ability , creativity and talent. I will give a an assignment to the group – “come up with three different advertising concepts on a given product/ client within a week” – Chris, will come back within two days with 10 entirely different takes. I can’t teach that……
Eventually you gained a position as Art Director for Wyse Advertising .
Apparently , according to your boss at the time, you were poised to do great things in advertising … we will never know…. but Wyse were wonderful to you during that terrible time of your illness.
I do remember that first year you worked for Wyse you were asked to do the ad for them in the annual “Torchlight” Membership Directory
The monthly AAF-Cleveland Portfolio features the latest in industry development and trends, association insights and updates, and achievements of local members. “Torchlight,” our annual membership directory, is an invaluable “Who’s Who” reference manual of members, agencies, and services in Cleveland advertising.
The directory was in your portfolio and the ad………. text, words …….. “scan of the full-page ad that appeared in the Torchlight”
Artwork Christopher Ritchey
But there aren’t any words that were so important as the last words you wrote to me – even with the spelling mistake…….I carry them with me every day
Mother’s Day is coming, once again tinged with tears and bitter-sweet ———– I love you…………I need to finish writing the book if I can find the words
To Stabilize or DE-stabilize that is the question Lorain County
UPDATE!!!! today the 29th of April I drove past the property that was the Olde English Parlour and Lorain Creamery and what a difference in just a few days. The property has had the mattresses and tires and junk cars on the sidewalk of last week removed and the place tidied and cleaned – Thank you City of Lorain
The 10 hundred block of 4th street especially 1026 has been mentioned in the past few days . https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2018/04/23/a-dangerous-situation-castration-of-justice-lorain/
The Incarceration House
Interesting home , a pretty home and now a mini jail ( in my opinion ) where ,according to court records ( Judge John Miraldi’s court), there is a history. Check out these court cases from Lorain County Court of Common Pleas and John Miraldi’s courtroom – You be the judge – and please check out the indictments
16CR093607 03/25/2016
Then there is court case : 16CA011062 which is apparently ( not being an attorney I have struggled with some of the documentation ) an appeal … but that date is 12/27/2016
BUT this “gentleman – of our neighborhood “ was arrested less than one month later with regard to a heroin bust at 1141 W 14th Street
http://www.morningjournal.com/article/MJ/20170124/NEWS/170129722
Jan 24, 2017 – A Lorain Police Department SWAT Team member watches the front of Matatanes Auto Repair and Towing, 1141 W. 14th St., as narcotics detectives search the business Jan. 24, 2017. The Lorain Police Department Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at the automotive repair shop and at 911 W. 14th …
Approach the bench – side bar-
Lorain readers will remember this lovely little business at 1141 W 14th used to be the Lorain Creamery / Olde English Parlour . How many of us enjoyed ice cream and a a meal at the Olde English Parlour?
https://sites.google.com/site/loraincreamery/home/production
http://danielebrady.blogspot.com/2009/07/lorain-creamery-scoop-5.html
Photo Dan Brady
http://www.chroniclet.com/news/2012/03/18/Fire-damages-former-Lorain-Creamery.html
and now???? Just drive by , I did – past the trash , junk and mattresses etc. Who let that facility end up the way it has , where are the inspections???? … From Lorain County Auditors Site – Owners Nicolaou Petros & Elena – tax bill mailed to 897 S Lake St. Amherst . Ohio
Oh yes! been down that road before – Whomever it was should have been fired in my opinion….. but I digress back to the courts:
Case number 17CR095700 ( back in John Miraldi’s Court ) 02/14/2017 
You may well be asking WHY am I still banging on about this guy and his court case ? You see there is a little more history on this 10 hundred block.
In my opinion the County and the Courts have acquiesced to having this person serve time ( under house arrest) in our neighborhood thereby “destabilizing” a neighborhood that has its struggles and abuts the downtown which everyone is wanting to “bring back???
He wasn’t originally living in this neighborhood NO! he was arrested at 911 W 14TH ST LORAIN, OH 44052 owned by Barreto Cadido and Megdalia and whose tax bill of $6,273.98 doesn’t look to have been paid in 5 or 6 years .
These streets around downtown could be positive foot traffic for the big downtown renewal but what sort of foot traffic is being sent your way answer me that – Downtown Lorain?
In fact the county , under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program poured money into this block, taking down a derelict house that had stood abandoned for over forty years, upon the advise of another expensive “study” –
Thriving Communities Institute of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy- Sarah Ryzner, the institute’s director of projects, and Paul Boehnlein, GIS and conservation planning specialist had a lot to say starting with two doors down from the now “incarceration house”
The Icon House
https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/11/16/welcome-to-fairyland-aka-in-the-pink-lorain-ohio/ and https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/11/13/away-with-the-fairies-living-in-lorain/
True to their word with much hoopla Lorain County Land Reutilization and Lorain County Port Authority came and took down the Icon House
“So under the auspices of the Lorain County Land Re-utilization Corp – Lorain County Port Authority
whose mission ” Improving Lorain County and Revitalizing Neighborhoods” the eyesore ,that was once a well-loved and cherished home, came down.”
https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2014/07/16/history-demoed-another-rehabbed-pt-1/
This segues into the rest of the story because thanks to the Neighborhood “Stabilization” Program -the county and co – another historic property The Coleman House – 1031 W 4th was rehabbed see the story here …
https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2014/07/22/history-demoed-another-rehabbed-pt3/
The county duly rehabbed the house- it was too far gone for an historic rehab, but supposedly helped with stabilizing the neighborhood. More than a few 10’s of thousands went into this “icon” project …We, in the street were pleased someone was recognizing the worthiness and rehabbing.
My question is will the county and courts get on the same page …. please make up their mind because using the “house across the road from the rehab house as a “16 hour a day place of incarceration” is not conducive to stabilizing this neighborhood .
And whilst we are at it and the cost to the “community”- that apparently has no say so in control- I asked the Judge John Mirald etc i- for which I never received and answer :
How much does a drug raid cost us the taxpayers , local, state and federal for our law enforcement to go on these raids as opposed to the amount of sentencing????
MAKE UP YOUR MIND LORAIN COUNTY – DO YOU WISH TO STABILIZE OR DESTABLIZE THIS STREET……… The community who have invested years have rights too………….. OR DO WE?????? Lorain County and Courts enquiring minds would like to know!
A dangerous situation- Castration of Justice- Lorain
UPDATE: May 14th-2018 ACCORDING TO THE OWNER – MR. ROBERT GONZALES OF 1026 W. 4TH STREET, CARLOS LOPEZ AS DOCUMENTED IN COURT RECORDS UNDER HOUSE ARREST AT 1026 W. 4TH STREET DOES NOT RESIDE AT THAT PROPERTY…. YOU HAVE TO WONDER THEN “I WONDER WHERE THE FELON WENT”…….
Let me first say – this is entirely my own opinion formed by circumstances beyond my control.
This past month I wrote a post :
https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2018/03/19/my-roses-their-guns-walk-away-from-lorain/
For over forty years we have lived next door to a house that has ALWAYS been “difficult” both with tenants and lack of respect.
We stayed the course always hoping and trying not only to make this a better neighborhood and invest in what is Lorain’s oldest neighborhood. In the last two years we have put in over $22,000 dollars in to an empty lot next door
https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2017/10/16/money-where-your-mouth-is-part-7/
turning it from this
to this
Lack of code enforcement and bank dumping in recent years have made the adjoining property even more of a nuisance.
As mentioned ,so many times before on these pages – the system that is Lorain, inspections , judicial , enforcement and accountability have, in my opinion, caused this deterioration of a community, all you have to do is ride around “old Lorain and the downtown” .
Ease of public trough monies, bank dumps and property management companies (in and out-of-state) has pretty much overpowered and forced out the people who have expendable income. Lorain’s past history (Community Development ) and her knee jerk reactive development has caused that to happen. Those who have stayed … they either have to or are still trying against odds that are becoming insurmountable.
OK ! people ( who can) move out leave their homes or are looking to leave. But these past few weeks , I have found something far more sinister and frightening to we who stayed. As documented, we have had issues with individuals who , quite frankly, I wouldn’t have anything in common or to do with , a culture of blatant disrespect on the other side of the fence. I don’t understand their “behavior” uncivilized and a detriment to community. But that is not the scary part.
Last week the designated alley was blocked by the tow truck which has been parked next to my fence and their house for weeks. Our at large council person can attest to that fact.
I needed to get out of my garage. Simple ???ask them to move what I consider an illegal commercial vehicle , out-of-the-way. This tow truck bears the Matatanes Towing – the “business” that was raided in
Lorain police net two arrests in suspected heroin bust
Jan 24, 2017 – A Lorain Police Department SWAT Team member watches the front of Matatanes Auto Repair and Towing, 1141 W. 14th St., as narcotics detectives search the business Jan. 24, 2017. The Lorain Police Department Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at the automotive repair shop and at 911 W. 14th …
Once again I was met with the curses and obscenities from individuals who do not reside at that residence.. drop off and carry out…
What was even more worrying was the fact when I said:
fine I will call the police, I was met with laughter , high fiving , and call – don’t care .. call the police… etc.
Eventually the tow truck and its cargo ( after having some items stripped) was returned to its usual parking place next to my fence with now the car on the top partially stripped in full view over the top of my 8 foot fence – looming , reminiscent of a vulture salivating at the demise of civility.
The Lorain Police Dept. is our last bastion of support for the everyday citizen They protect and serve and yet here were people with guns, yes guns for my European readers – par for the course in Lorain apparently – scaring the hell out of me – having the very people who can protect and serve, FOUND TO BE LAUGHABLE. I was gobsmacked – they obviously didn’t give a monkeys….
WHY IS THAT??? … well in the case of the posse next door – I believe it stems from a judicial decision, Judge John Miraldi , Lorain County Court of Common Pleas Case no. 17CR095700
DEFT HAVING COMPLETED PROGRAMMING W/PRIMARY PURPOSE BOND IN THIS CASE IS MODIFIED. DEFT SHALL REMAIN ON HOUSE ARREST AND RESIDE AT 1026 FOURTH ST., LORAIN, OH. DEFT GRANTED WORK PRIVILEGES MONDAY THRU FRIDAY, 8:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. DEFT SHALL REMAIN ON CSR SUPERVISION AND GPS MONITORING THROUGH COURTMON. ANY CHANGES TO THIS SCHEDULE WILL REQUIRE APPROVAL BY THIS COURT. SEE JRNL. (16CR093607/17CR095700)
How nice and comforting for those who live here and attend school…. this man now lodging 2 houses down from a school – under house arrest , a trafficker, moved from the 14th street address to our neighborhood.
OH he ISN’T an RSO so he can live there- My thoughts.. if he is under house arrest then the Adult Parole Authority and by the judge agreeing, has now turned this “rental” into a place of incarceration – a jail. Oh and don’t forget this guy has gone through a few weeks of rehab- that is OK then???? Community Control- this community would like more of a say so in the control!!!!!
The other “gentleman “ was not unknown to the “good” Judge John Miraldi he had appeared ( gone through a drug rehab program under his previous – go around) 12CR086331 in 2012 and after 4 pages of court documents where he thwarted the courts ended up with him being incarcerated in a real jail.
However The “good” Judge must have forgotten how lax this “gentleman” was in the previous go around 2012 because this was his sentence after pleading guilty his latest appearance in court ( and he has quite a record!!!) 17CR095698
DEFT APPEARED IN COURT FOR SENTENCING AFTER HAVING WITHDRAWN HIS OR HER PREVIOUSLY ENTERED PLEA OF NOT GUILTY AND HAVING NOW ENTERED A PLEA OF GUILTY TO AND HAVING BEEN FOUND GUILTY BY THE COURT THE FOLLOWING CHARGE(S): COUNT 1: TRAFFICKING IN DRUGS – 2925.03(A)(1) – F5 COUNT 2: TRAFFICKING IN DRUGS – 2925.03(A)(1) – F5 DEFT IS SENTENCED TO COMMUNITY CONTROL FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS ENDING 10/23/2020. SANCTIONS: ISP; DEFT IS TO SERVE SIX (6) MONTHS IN LCCF; PAY ALL COURT COSTS IN FULL; PAY SUPERVISION FEES IN THE AMT OF $720.00; PAY ALL COURT APPOINTED ATTY FEES IN FULL; SEE JRNL FOR OTHER SANCTIONS UP TO 3 YEARS OPTIONAL PRC (JRM)
Pity he didn’t remember that case because apparently The perpetrator seems to be following a pattern – He has a BAD address and so is not responding to the court…….OH MY!!!!
| DEFENDANT HAVING BEEN ORDERED TO REIMBURSE COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEY FEES, THE COURT FINDS THAT COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEY FEES ARE: $848.00. THE DEFENDANT IS TO PAY SAID AMOUNT TO THE LORAIN COUNTY CLERK OF COMMON PLEAS COURT. THE LORAIN COUNTY CLERK OF COURTS SHALL PAY SAID FUNDS TO THE LORAIN COUNTY TREASURER. SEE JRNL. | ||
| 11/22/2017 | AGING | A/R AGING START DATE |
| 12/14/2017 | MOTION | MOTION TO BE GRANTED JAIL TIME CREDIT FILED BY DEFT. PROSE. |
| 01/22/2018 | ITEM | ITEMIZED BILL SENT TO DEFENDANT. |
| 02/20/2018 | COLLECTIONS | 30-DAY DELINQUENT COURT COST LETTER SENT TO DEFENDANT. |
| 02/20/2018 | N/A | RETURNED MAIL – BAD ADDRESS |
| 03/19/2018 | N/A | RETURNED MAIL – BAD ADDRESS |
| 03/26/2018 | COLLECTIONS | 60-DAY DELINQUENT COURT COST LETTER SENT TO DEFENDANT. |
| 04/16/2018 | N/A | RETURNED MAIL – BAD ADDRESS |
Good luck with that then Judge – although I know where he has been off and on hanging with the posse.
Can this be why those individuals last week found it laughable that I would call the Lorain Police Dept. Has the judicial system stymied them in their ability to protect and serve , how problematic a “ticket” when they are given such leeway in drug trafficking , breaking and entering etc. ?
I wrote to Judge John Miraldi, to the courts wanting to know why? I realize the Judge John Miraldi has his own issues to deal with
http://www.chroniclet.com/cops-and-courts/2018/02/01/Watch-live-Cody-Snyder.html
BUT, in my opinion, his court and the way the drug traffickers are given the benefit of the doubt and “rehab” and a slap has castrated justice. I have not received any answer or confirmation . There is a surprise ..BAD ADDRESS maybe……….?????
The City of Lorain, the enforcement of her ordinances and the judicial system are two departments that can affect the quality of the lives of those that are still here, but seeing a wonderful and I mean wonderful Lorain Police Dept, with whom the organization of which I am co- chair (CVSI)
http://www.loraincounty.com/charlestonlorai/
has worked in hand with for 30 years laughed at sticks in my craw .
These officers put their lives on the line , their welfare and yes sanity every time they go on shift. They have to have the support of the judicial branch. Time to step up- these people are admitted traffickers……… stop enabling the dealers!!!!
April 3rd – Trilogy Trigger- Chris Ritchey
Chris Ritchey- CIA
This past month has been particularly difficult, losing my dear friend Paula to the obscenity that is cancer, the “hell is other people” neighbors with their form of obscenity invading what little space we have. It is what is called “life” for want of a description. As another departed friend used to say “everyone has a story” and yet another ” there is no laughter in hell”, but then again you would have to believe in a heaven if you believe in hell.
Easter was this past weekend , another holiday I hypocritically celebrate for the sake of loved ones and friends . I have pointed out my views and Easter/Eastre has been noted – another pagan holiday utilized, blended, absorbed and morphed for convenience sake of whatever was the popular faith at the time https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/ahhhhhh-easter-eastre-resurrecting-memories-eggs-and-crabs/
To me all religion is another man’s myth dressed up for the masses of whatever century of which you happen to be a part.
Irony, not to be outdone this year, the weekend found Gavin’s 9th birthday and your Dad’s and Easter all falling together.
You Dad born on another Easter Sunday on the top of the kitchen table ( so the story goes) let alone being April Fool’s Day.
Triple play in memories flooded in- other Easters with Papa Teddy and Auntie Gladys coming down from Canada especially at Easter and Thanksgiving , they really were the closest thing to grandparents. Such love , such beautiful people. Your first Easter , you decided to crawl and Papa Teddy spent the whole time steering you away from the fireplace hearth, fascinated even then by flames.
Memories of you being taken to that “terrible to me now” church St. Mary’s Lorain https://www.parishesonline.com/find/st-mary-catholic-church-44052 by your godparents on Easter Sunday . Well…..up until the time you “shot the priest” with a pretend gun and something religious spilled as someone in the procession jumped and there was such a kafuffle apparently. I know you were never again taken to Easter Sunday services there.
To think that church would play such havoc in our lives bringing such anger and unkindness – due to you walking down that same aisle and the taking of any closure, denying our beliefs by your controlling “in law family”( Lombardi/ Vika and offspring) and the “bride” Angela Lombardi ( Ritchey) now Murphy
not to mention “their priest” Divis –
Sharing a laugh – but on whom?
There should have been overload in the confessional, one would think, although forgiveness is far from my heart. Ah! what meaning in this life today of a ‘mother’s curse” in days of myth and legend a powerful instrument met now with the word Karma??? Karma borrowed once more from an even older religion…. I wait ………
Gavin’s “birthday” or day of his birth – hoping against hope as you lay in that terrible Cleveland Clinic- the lab rat- being made to clinically die to “save you”. I had to leave you that night to be with your sister as a new life came into the world……….. torn once more………
Your Dad’s birthday – the years of playing pranks not just because it was April fools day but because your loved your jokes. The time you took out an ad in the paper selling the house . Yes! all memories , uninvited guests along with the ham, steaks, tulips and a missing space at the table.
And yet laughter and smiles, little boys and a girl looking for surprises, barely able to sit still as the grown-ups took forever to eat. Tales of other memories , other traditions , pastel eggs mixed in with camouflage eggs, a grandfather and his grandsons sharing a moment to remember. 
Yes all intertwined showing the colors and also the greyness of what we have become – I love you – we all do……..
My roses their guns – walk away from Lorain?
I don’t need a little Christmas- I need new leaves, blossoms, daffodils, tulips the sound of splashing water from the ponds, grass that is green . I need mother nature to take me away and screen me from those that dwell in the “hood”.
I can look at the snow drops peeking through and imagine I am far far away in a woodland dell instead of the “No Exit” that we are living. I use mother nature and her children – trees and shrubs flowers and vines to build a barrier between them and us.
I have been planted here because I chose a young, brown-eyed , perfect teeth of a guy and followed him to Lorain and this house. It has been home for over 40 years now. And the issues and problems with purchasing in a neighborhood that was transitioning has been well documented on this blog.
But in the past 10 years the bank dumps especially with the “Blue House” have lowered property values – caused the neighborhood that was at one point stable and going back to a more respectful quiet and family area to take a nose dive. 1121 W 4th now owned by one MARRERO – RAMOS MIGUEL . His “tenants” who obviously feel we should appreciate their foul language and loud – gun totting lifestyle as they hemorrhage it all over the rest of the block.
2012 I knew that this was going to be an issue from the very first day it sold…… after being dumped by the bank
“Well First Federal Savings of Lorain I have seen and “heard ” the “people” who have come to see your listing . I spoke to a couple of them as the parked on the lawn next door under my dining room window- as I informed them they were parking on another’s property and that it wasn’t a driveway – they knew and didn’t care- they were buying the blue house? SIGH. Oh! and quite frankly I am dreading the rest of the summer thanks to you and your “business” decisions .
You, First Federal Saving of Lorain have, in my opinion, “dumped your unwanted housing” from $56,000 to 28 thousand (buy back )to 13,900 listing just two months later . NOTE sold for $12,500 – Great !!! And let us face it – it was your bank that made the decision just a few short years ago by giving a mortgage to someone unable to pay it in the first place that set in motion this chain of events.
You are responsible, in my opinion, for what will ripple out and effect this neighborhood. Don’t forget, you were also the mortgage holder and foreclosed on the other neighborhood house next door 1125, W. 4th street– now scheduled for demolition
AND then
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2016/05/17/money-where-your-mouth-is-part-one/
Flash forward 6 years later and many issues – the brown house was demolished- then came the highway cut through and parking wherever the needed to park… boats, trucks and vehicles. I suppose it was just a nuisance to me and mine that we had to live with this disrespectful behaviours.
We finally purchased the lot next door 1125 W 4th (2016) duly fenced , planted shrubs, trees, ponds and plants to make our little corner of the world a place for respite .
I argued there was hope for Lorain and this area , even knowing that it was an uphill battle due to business practices that have made the surrounding neighborhoods a concern for anyone wanting to open a restaurant or bring in an “up market” healthy business. It was going to be local and piecemeal at best. Through a 501C3 we have tried our best to bring something of which we can be proud to the area:
This particular house 1121, W 4th – a rental- with a plethora of tenants in the three bedroom 1 bath home- including a very loud lifestyle,. has a business in the form of a funeral home behind them – The fence behind the funeral home parking lot was knocked down and so now exposes those coming for viewing a view that I am sure isn’t what they were expecting :
March 11th found a “flock” of “yard birds” swilling alcohol comparing guns and shouting in the alley – and witnessed by more than me.
In the front of the house, across the street is a Charter School, and since these people live back to front their trash etc is always s there bidding a warm welcome to the parents dropping off their kids. March 18th
Trouble is we can nothing about the intimidation the “fear of ones safety” and IF WE don’t feel safe in our own street and back garden then does Lorain honestly think walking this street to the local opportunities or parking in the neighborhoods just blocks away is an option.
People read this blog who are not from Lorain- they use it to research the community – they come here to find out about Lorain-
This type of post does Lorain no good BUT it is the truth , it is what has happened all over this Ward 2 thanks to banks local , national and international ( all documented for years on this blog) , out-of-town LLC’s , multi property owners who don’t give a damn and a population that is being held hostage and quiet through fear of retaliation.
This past weekend March 18 my two little grandchildren coming to help their grandfather tidy the new lot – get ready for spring were subjected to a wild-eyed , irate witch calling them and their “Nog” – as she hauled herself on the flat-bed of a tow truck they have parked next to my fence – every form of filth she could muster from her large loud mouth.
The cause of this “in retaliation tirade” because I asked her on Sunday March 4th – as her music cranked up when she parked her vehicle in the alley doors wide open was vibrating every window in the neighborhood .
My request to turn it down was met with a torrent of Spanish peppered with “fu##” bitch .. was given the” talk to the hand” among the profanities pouring from her and I said either turn it down or I call the police –
“you go backa in your house, bitch I don’t need you… I gotta a new car and testing it out”
I said test it elsewhere – as she entered the house the tirade of go into your house mother- fu##er .
Back to this past Sunday – we were lighting the fire pit and preparing to have the kids roast hot dogs ( nice American pastime) apparently Tonya of the Tow Truck decided she no likka my smoke ( which I may add was NOT blowing east but south) and hence the abuse. Well I have news for her I am allowed to be in my own garden with my grandchildren .
Unfortunately , as I looked at the kids faces and what I was seeing , I became disenchanted , angry and fed up !
The littlest one now no longer wanted to be in the garden – he was frightened – they didn’t know what was happening- they aren’t exposed to this sort of behaviors with their neighbors and the oldest ( 8) saying:
Nog, I am sorry you have to live here–
it dawned on me he felt like I was in some sort of hellish world so unfamiliar to him… I was seeing our home through the eyes of an 8-year-old and I didn’t like what I was seeing there .
Yes so am I – I said
There is nothing I can do… This ward has become a “glut of yobos” gone too far – the tipping point tipped.
– and thanks to First Federal policies and devaluing the neighborhood ( in my humble opinion) by dumping this house for $12,500 I can’t even sell this property and my grandchildren will not want their inheritance- far from over the river to grandma’s house we go – it will be “dump it” for what we can get -I am not living there .
So Lorain you will lose again …. take that to the bank!!!!!
My roses against their guns ………. ain’t happening …
“Game of Loans” Clear as Mud- CDBG funds Lorain
The Lorain Development Corp – an ongoing ripple effect – standing alone – questions and accounting tools all as clear as mud to me and I have been writing about this for yonks! 
There is a plethora of information starting with a series of articles on Lorain Community Development in 2008 ( 10 years ago ) by Mark Teleha
https://locophotogblog.wordpress.com/category/community-development/ and his interviews with Sandy Prudoff and Doug Rangel
“the opportunity to meet Doug Rangel. Doug is the Executive Director of the Lorain Development Corporation. Flashing back briefly, this is what Sandy Prudoff explained to me during the interview:
The other division, which is not really a city department, is our contract with the Lorain Development Corporation. The reason why we have a contract with them, we don’t have city staff doing that, is that he (Doug Rangel) has a ward of accountants, bankers, attorneys and business people. They, for no fee, and volunteer time, meet with Doug, and any small business request for financing, all the way up to $1.3 million on the Duane Building, all the way up to a $6 million undertaking of the Industrial Park, he and his Board, but primarily him, will structure the financing, monitor the financing. The Industrial Park had $2+ million for the loan, a loan from the State. A $2+ million loan from the Federal Government, a $2 million grant from the State, and a $2 million grant from the EDA (Economic Development Association)……
D. Romancak 2008
Doug doesn’t work for us, he works under contract with us. His agency is independent. He takes care of all the financing and business loans. So, first perception that we’re these rogue agents just doing whatever we want is definitely misplaced in a statutory city where we are the City of Lorain; we’re not separate and apart, we’re not different. We find it, sometimes amusing, as people say ‘There goes Community Development again, doing whatever it is that they do.” So said Don Romancak,
https://locophotogblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/11/saving-downtown-there-is-available/
Note the above link make interesting reading as to how the system was supposed to work https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2009/03/22/community-development-city-of-lorain/
FAST FORWARD to 2015 https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/04/15/money-for-old-rope-a-taxpayers-question/
https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/04/23/lorain-development-corp-lorain-op-ed/
and then 2016
https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2016/04/12/lorain-development-corp-the-revolving-evolving-story/
http://www.chroniclet.com/news/2016/04/26/City-cuts-ties-with-Lorain-Development-Corp.html
Robert Ellis, a local attorney and president of the LDC board, said the corporation, a nonprofit, has two options — it can find another foundation that is willing to loan money to businesses in Lorain, or it can dissolve.
AND then the FBI enters the picture: http://www.chroniclet.com/news/2016/07/08/FBI-probes-loan-program-by-Lorain-Development-Corp-ran-for-city.html
and THEN!!! August 30th 2017
http://www.chroniclet.com/Local-News/2017/08/30/Lorain-acts-on-defaulted-loans-before-HUD-comes-calling.html Glenn also noted the FBI investigation regarding the program, which began last summer, is still going on 
and now the situation as it stands today February 28th 2018
as the ripple effect of decisions made by Lorain and the spending of money and write offs is still causing ripples
http://www.cityoflorain.org/announcements?view=1683 February 26, 2018 Public Hearing – CDBG PY2017 Substantial Amendment
http://www.chroniclet.com/Local-News/2018/02/27/Lorain-wants-to-change-block-grant-spending.html 
Ritenauer {Mayor} said one of the biggest hurdles to lowering that ratio, though, is the revolving loan program, which was frozen several years ago due to over $600,000 in loans being written off and thousands of others were delinquent. “The problem is HUD counts that credit against us so that’s inflating our ratio,” he said. “It’s just north of a million dollars and when we get payments that makes it go up. Well, we can’t spend it to make it go back down because they’ve frozen it. We’d be in good shape if they would unfreeze that money and we could put it where it needs to be.”
Also the Morning Journal : ” Lorain puts local projects on hold to repay federal money http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20180226/lorain-puts-local-projects-on-hold-to-repay-federal-money
Lorain’s problem comes in part because the city and HUD have frozen Lorain’s revolving loan program to help businesses. That was due to questions about loans raised by Glenn’s predecessor, Leon Mason, who led the Department of Building, Housing and Planning. That frozen account inflates Lorain’s ratio of CDBG money allocated to money spent, the mayor said.
10 years of documents papers and pointing up the issue on this blog with Money for Old Rope three years ago.. and that pesky $600,000.00 I couldn’t figure out and apparently I wasn’t far off the mark. was I ( even if I can’t understand government accounting 101) 😉
In the middle of all this moneying…. and accounting is a loan of $250.000.01 to South Shore CDC
“As Mr. Mason stated, the issues with the revolving Loan fund came to him from the State Auditor
“I got an email from the state auditor who wanted to know why the city of Lorain had over $600,000 in loan write-offs,” department director Leon Mason said. “My response was that I didn’t know what he was talking about, and when he sent me the information, I was able to pinpoint some of the loans, but I did find some that were troubling, to say the least.” Mason said one that stood out to him was a $250,000.01 loan to the South Shore Community Development Corporation.
UPDATED- Minutes of the committee meeting April 11th 2016 where the report was given to Lorain City Council members
Oh well – 2018 and we are still trying to find our way clear of this one. BUT I am troubled – I am like the majority of tax payers, I can’t even figure out my own taxes let alone understand “accounting tools” of government .
I looked through spread sheets – I looked through “loans” and to whom they were made- BUT I looked at them as a citizen with a fair to middling IQ. 
I looked at was down as a “loan” to the City of Lorain (Building Housing and Planning)
NOTE: Yes! I know I have issues with the way “that” department is and has been run https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2016/08/09/municipal-manipulation-lorain-e-again/ and the archaic means at their disposal when it comes to checking Point of Sale and the “paperwork”-
Little did I know I was in for a plethora of emails and answers and more confusion. I looked at a sheet of what were termed “loans” and one in particular caught my eye- no interest and under the category “closed not paid”- since the 501C3 mentioned was still an ongoing organization HOW COULD THAT BE? Well what was to be a simple question turned out to be a confusing answer 
You see this “Loan” wasn’t a loan – No! No! I have it all wrong apparently BHP needs an accounting tool to track payments for RENT etc.
The said organization paid out IN LEASE/RENT $ 19,050 from April 2013- March 2017 BUT in the accounting for BHP this was down on the books as a LOAN
Why?? according to the City of Lorain : their (BHP) system is a LOAN system. The way they keep track of any building lease/rent is to enter it in this system as it tracks the “due “ payments and categorizes them if they are late/past due etc.
Art Work Scott Bakalar
So confusing as it is – when is a loan not a loan when it is an accounting tool with BHP. Note: Excuse me just would make life easier it seems if it was classified under something say : Incoming rents from city owned properties I think there might be software somewhere to handle that………. Just my 2 cents ( or is it?) 😉
Now let us get back to South Shore Development Corp and that $250,000.01 loan that was written off by the Board of Lorain Development Corporation on February 3rd 2014
The Board was supposedly independent of City Administration and Council etc. BUT there were in place safety measures – from Mark’s 2008 interview :
“All of these loans are subject to review and approval by the loan board of Lorain Development Corporation as well as Board of Control, if they fall within the guidelines and would additionally require City Council approval if the loan request goes outside of guidelines. Doug Rangel “
In the case of the loan to South Shore Development Corp there were issues with conflict of interest. 
http://www.chroniclet.com/news/2016/07/08/FBI-probes-loan-program-by-Lorain-Development-Corp-ran-for-city.html
One of the loans that HUD officials flagged is a $250,000 loan made to South Shore Development Corp. in 2011 to help keep the struggling St. Joseph Community Center afloat. That loan was never repaid and eventually written off by Lorain Development Corp. State auditors have said that more than $600,000 worth of loans distributed by Lorain Development Corp. were written off over the years, but Mason said that his research indicates that figure might be slightly lower because of how some of the loans were structured.
The HUD review said that the money lent to South Shore was troubling because at the time of the loan, Robert Gilchrist was serving as both the city’s service director and president of the South Shore board. HUD called Gilchrist’s dual role “an apparent Conflict of Interest.”
Mr Gilchrist – he of the diversionary program – voting illegally , pleading guilty to drug charges
and alleged domestic abuse which cost him his job at as President of the Lorain County Community Action Agency was also in his Service Director position on the BOARD of CONTROL for the City of Lorain.
You know that BOC that is one of the checks and balances the taxpayers have. But hey we are OK because this Lorain Development Corporation is a separate entity – although contracted by the then Community Development Dept. ( see 2008 interview) and the money to fund it came from where ? Too many of the same names and relationships for my liking .
Early in 2009, South Shore announced its intention to close the St. Joe’s center because its income was outstripped by operating expenses, notably high utility costs. Lorain City Council in 2010 approved money to operate St. Joe’s while Krasienko’s administration looked for ways to keep it open. Lorain Service Director Robert Gilchrist was a key in brokering the deals needed to keep the center open and yesterday he made the city’s presentation to the Clean Ohio Council in Columbus.
Such plans in 2011- ……….
You can find the Board of Control minutes here – through various administrations http://www.cityoflorain.org/mayor/documents You can also access the Journal Entry on the discussion with the County Commissioners et al APRIL 2012 with charts and discussions in depth here JOURNAL ENTRY Commissioners Meeting St. Joes
| 2012 (no leasing) | 2013 (15k ft) | 2014 (15k ft) | 2015 (15k ft) | |
| Revenue | 913 | 1,063 | 1,213 | 1,363 |
| Expenses | 1,046 | 1,077 | 1,109 | 1,142 |
| Net Income | (132) | (14) | 104 | 221 |
| Capital/Other | 212 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Grants/Loans | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other Receipts | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Profit/Loss | (342) | (212) | (94) | 23 |
Loans;
- $1,350,000 Loan on Property from the State
- Guaranteed $675,000 each to the City and County
- Payback of the State Loan does not begin until profitable OR when SSCDC property is sold.
- As a part of the development agreement a $250,000 Loan was provided to South Shore Community Development Corporation to cover operating shortfall.
- Beginning on April 1, 2012 the first monthly payment of $1,488 is due.
- The Loan is unsecured.
Grants:
- HUD EDI Grant – $166,500. Grant funds were used to fund the LCCC expansion/extension and Little Lighthouse tenant improvement work.
- HHS – $253,000. Grant funds were used to fund mechanical deferred maintenance to the then occupied areas and common systems.
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant – $480,000
- City application for funds allowed for both a grant component and loan component for use at St. Joe’s totaling $480,000.
- In 2011, when EECBG project scopes for St. Joe’s were being developed, use of funds for maintenance of existing systems was disallowed.
- The Dep. Of Energy also determined that the combination of both a grant and loan could not be used at St. Joe’s; thus the funding became capped at approximately $200,000.
- City and SSCDC now developing a revised scope to utilize the available EECBG funds for non-maintenance energy efficiency projects.
CORF
- $1,600,000 Grant Awarded to the City of Lorain for SSCDC project.
- Mercy match over 3 years- $120k per year for 3 years = $360k
- Demolition includes Building D, Reidy Scanlon Bldg., Thrift Shop.
- The City of Lorain is currently advertising for a certified professional.
- Demolition anticipated to begin summer of 2012
and the rest of the story????????????????????????????? Who knows but I agree with Mayor Ritenauer .. to me this is all as clear as mud………… and just to help with information :
CPD_Funding_Grantee_Matrix_LORA-OH_OH_20180201
Copy of Public Service Streets and 108 spreadsheet(2)
Economic Development Final http://destinyhosted.com/loraidocs/2016/CCREG/20160404_68/628_Economic%20Development%20Review%20FINAL%20PDF.pdf
LDC Conflict of Interest Policy http://destinyhosted.com/loraidocs/2016/CCREG/20160404_68/628_Lorain%20Development%20Corp%20Conflict%20of%20Interest%20Policy.pdf
LDC Subrecipient Agreement http://destinyhosted.com/loraidocs/2016/CCREG/20160404_68/628_LDC%20Subrecipient%20Agreement%20PDF.pdf
Portfolio Quality Report http://destinyhosted.com/loraidocs/2016/CCREG/20160404_68/628_Portfolio%20Quality%20Report.pdf
EDA Title IX Plan http://destinyhosted.com/loraidocs/2016/CCREG/20160404_68/628_EDA%20Title%20IX%20Revolving%20Loan%20Fund%20Plan.pdf
March 3rd -It’s OK- Chris Ritchey
Reaching out- art work- Christopher Ritchey
It’s OK – (okay) the origin of OK has many theories https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/explore/what-is-the-origin-of-the-word-ok
but basically translated – Ok (okay) means it is alright, it is fine or will be OK – will be alright – will be fine.
When something traumatic happens either in real life or in tv / movie land – invariably , along with the hug and the patting on the back http://www.saywhydoi.com/the-back-pat-why-do-we-pat-on-the-back/ comes the words – “it’s OK”
No it isn’t OK really …. but like shaking hands when you meet someone it is something those who try to comfort do.
I found myself yelling at the television as yet another traumatized mother – having disaster over take her family – and the well-meaning friend , the “it’s Ok” tripping from their mouth for want of something to say – throw away words ….
but I am here to tell you when you lose a son or daughter nothing is ever alright, fine or okay in your world ever again.
OK! well I maybe be making a mountain out of a molehill… and bitching about the human condition when we are at a loss for words and trying to be kind and give comfort but it cuts me to the quick when I see and hear those words spoken
The flawed Hand of the Healer by Chris Ritchey
AND it is not okay that my wonderful, talented, loving son with his whole life ahead of him- is nothing more than a memory- and in some cases not even that – whilst the dregs of mankind and other sons cause terror and destruction to the world’s children.
AND it is not OK that once again I am losing from my life a sweet, caring , selfless , sparkling wine of a woman to the obscenity of cancer- another family waiting and watching as she leaves us slowly. It is not OK that she is leaving whilst the cruel bitches of this world thrive………
It is NOT OK Chris that I am here and you are not…….. I love you
March 3, 2018 at 12:20 pm 1 comment