The weapon- City of Lorain- You decide- Trust negated

I could write every day for a year and still not cover all the dilapidated buildings and homes in Lorain.
State Auditors report of 2004 – Lorain
http://www.cityoflorain.org/cms/files/File/2004/introduction.pdf

“negative effect on the neighborhood stability and economic vitality of the city”
“By not administering its code enforcement, property maintenance and building programs, it is difficult for the city to preserve its housing stock,”

The Chronicle Telegram http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/ has written about the “state” of Lorain for many, many years and there are many reasons for the state in which we now we find ourselves years on. At least one Mayor – Craig Foltin -as reported in this article by Dan Harkins and Shawn Foucher as far back as 2005 – pointing out the “broken homes”- See the artcle by clicking on ‘ “brokehomes” here
brokehomes

Beyond that, the new housing inspectors have gotten only a lukewarm endorsement from Mayor Craig Foltin, who defeated his predecessor in 1999 in part by making an issue of what he characterized as an overly aggressive Building Department.
“We feel that if they don’t have a successful plan and aren’t self-sufficient and nice to people, then we will not continue with them,” Foltin said recently of the inspectors……..

AND FROM THE SAME ARTICLE

…….Some Council members have said the new inspectors cannot succeed without Foltin’s full support.
“They’re not going to do any pushing because Foltin is a member of the landlords association,” Councilman David Wargo, D-1st Ward, said. “Foltin won’t let them do what they have to do.”
Wargo said the inspectors would find it difficult to force property owners to fix problems because Foltin “won’t let them be tough on people.”…..

Then there was the Chief Building Inspector Desvari Debacle –

http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2008/02/09/lorain-building-inspector-suspended/

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/07/lorains_chief_building_officia.html

http://www.lorainlatino.com/articles/2010/07/09/noticias/doc4c373d355f040981109132.txt

it just goes on and on and on…. another Lorain legacy –

This blog, this writer , as stated, touched upon just a few examples ( well documented) to show how today’s elected officials are frustrated and thwarted by the process and the legacy left by those “go gently ” policies of yesteryear!.

I have written about multi-property owners in Lorain- that frustration- and especially when at least two of them die suddenly – George Schneider and Lewis Strnad leaving the city with a mess of dilapidated properties , probate wills and neighborhoods being effected by the lack of upkeep.

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2014/09/20/george-schneider-a-property-legacy-what-now/

One such ongoing issue was that of Lewis Strnad who owned approximately 30 or more properties that have been left to fall in upon themselves’ In 2010- just before his death he purchased 2937, Elyria Ave. Lorain
over the years of nothing being done this is 2937 today- 5 years after purchase- February 2015

I did contact the county as to the status of Mr. Strnad’s properties on Friday the 13th-2015:

Strnad’s units have bulk processed into the court under tax delinquency as many of the estate’s holdings are in arrears. 2937 is specifically targeted for the current demo program and a case was filed some time around 12/09/14.

Well some movement on one multi- property owners legacy at least.

AND NOW!!!!
This series started with my outrage that a sitting member of the Lorain Design Review Board in my considered opinion – threatened, coerced and tried to intimidate elected officials into interceding on behalf of her son’s property. And used her position to use the City of Lorain Building Dept to visit vindictive behavior upon a citizen of Lorain- as she had threatened in at least two emails and states this also was her 2nd request.

Kathy Dye wrote in the Subject line of her e-mail – this was DESIGN REVIEW BOARD issue
Here is the ordinance as it pertains to the Design Review Board Chapter 1185 Codified
I was very involved back in the day 1987 with the implementation of the Lorain Design review Board and once again in 2006 when Sandy Prudoff fought against having a “history” organization a Board member – Page 17
Hisotric Pres DRB
KATHY DYE EMAIL JANUARY 9TH-2015

From: Javalady53@XXXXX [mailto:Javalady53@XXXXX]
Sent: Friday, January 09, 2015 11:56 AM
To: Mason, Leon
Subject: Design review board
Getting pretty sick and tired of Loraine Ritchie running this city with her complaints. #1 if you and the mayor are going to harrass people you should look at everybody, not just a few chosen people. I can be a bigger bitch than Loraine Ritchie. I know of several things if I spill the beans will cause a huge uproar in this city as well as a large number of law suits. I was previously asked to keep my mouth shut about all of it but my patience is running thin. Just to also let you know the information I know has nothing to do with any previous city employees.

#2, Loraine Ritchie has a lot of “ordinance issues” on the outside of her property, what about the inside?

#3 Loraine Ritchie keeps saying that my son did not get approval for his Kharisma sign. Well when he came before the board, before you came aboard, We gave him a conditional approval if the sign fit the sign board. Well it fit and we sent pictures to Dave Gulden as we were told. Then the uproar came and community development was dissolved and Dave damaged his files, not our fault. So I sent pictures again to Rey Carrion. Whatever happened to them I do not know. So here we still are seeing Loraine running her flapping mouth that the sign was hung illegally and that he was told to remove it. Well that is not the case and I want a letter sent for the approval now. The Building Department was notified months ago that we were still waiting for it.

#4 I understand the mayor is planning to run again. Well after I start sending out my series of letters to all the tv stations, radio stations and newspapers I don’t think it will help his campaign. The ball is now in your hands. If things don’t straighten up immediately with my son and his building the letters will begin next week.

#5 Also I have a question, why did the ex-mayor and your father back in their day refuse to take the mast from Admiral King’s boat that sank and make a memorial here in Lorain?

As most are aware, members of a government board, such as City Council, Design Review Boards etc. are protected with “qualified immunity” – not “absolute immunity” from law suits against the individual for decisions made as a body. BUT by the same token city government cannot be used as a weapon against an individual for “personal retribution”. There is a lot of legalese with this but that is the gist of it.

Kathy Dye, has made it abundantly clear in her comments on this blog – she was doing exactly that! She used position on the Lorain Design Review Board – see subject line of the offensive email) to also use threatening language to the Mayor of the City of Lorain and also to try intimidation with the Director of Building Housing and Planning

KATHY DYE WROTE

Well after I start sending out my series of letters to all the tv stations, radio stations and newspapers I don’t think it will help his campaign. The ball is now in your hands. If things don’t straighten up immediately with my son and his building the letters will begin next week.

Her emails continued, her family parked outside my house taking photos of my “ordinance issues”. Her statement to the fact on February 10th 2015 this was due to :

I started on you because you started on my son’s building and mine.

note: BOTH STRUCTURES ARE DEEMED COMMERCIAL- Dyes’ Appliances has received a number of complaints due to the “outside showroom of appliances ” behind 960 Broadway building and the obvious concerns of health and safety at 418 Broadway-

This is the same son mentioned with threatening behavior in her email ( with the Design Review Board subject line) to Leon Mason
Kathy Dye:
Well after I start sending out my series of letters to all the tv stations, radio stations and newspapers I don’t think it will help his campaign. The ball is now in your hands. If things don’t straighten up immediately with my son and his building the letters will begin next week.

The son whose building 418 Broadway found the following inspection results as per the Morning Journal article:

http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20150107/lorain-building-owner-accused-of-illegal-gas-tap

Click on to enlarge


This is not just about handbags at dawn and a neighbor vs neighbor situation

The same Kathy Dye who just two weeks ago hypocritically stood before Lorain City Council lamenting the state of building and storefronts on Broadway

http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20150210/downtown-lorain-merchants-discuss-broadway-traffic-plans

Kathy Dye of Dye’s Appliance also noted on-street parking issues and lamented the empty storefronts of buildings that owners seemingly refuse to develop or sell.

My objections are this person- Kathy Dye -who is a sitting member of a city backed board- in this case the Design Review Board- used that platform to seek personal vengeance, retribution and vindictiveness using another city department in this case the Building Dept. of the City of Lorain as her weapon.
This usage of government should not be countenanced – today my downspout tomorrow your ???????!

A city department shown to be very slow and untimely in their inspection process ( see previous posts) literally responding to Mrs. Dye within 4 business days, citing a broken down spout in the mid winter in sub freezing temperatures and a garage that needs painting- whilst dozens and dozens of properties have been left in limbo for weeks months years and in some cases decades.

One has to ask the question WHY was that? .

Why would Kathy Dye get more attention than elected officials?
Does it come down to “spilling beans” You see one has to wonder just how does this process work for one and not for elected officials and something doesn’t smell right!

Secondly.
What makes Kathy Dye feel comfortable in putting her threats , as I perceive them to be, under the Design Review Board notation , in my opinion, bordering on blackmail in order to get her way?
Why would she feel comfortable doing that – has it been done before ? Is this how Lorain government works and worked?

Mrs. Dye, in my opinion, has in her position as sitting member of the Design Review Board to use that position to “punish” and the City of Lorain and especially the Lorain Building Dept has enabled that behavior.

Thirdly:Mrs. Dye has also used that position, once again in my considered opinion, to coerce, threaten and intimidate elected officials. Is this “allowed”- is this the way of city business?
Because it sure looks like it from my keyboard.

Fourth: Will this just go the way of so many things- yesterday’s news- is there no accountability for this behavior ?

And they wonder why trust in government and politicians is at an all time low in this community- same old same old?????

I did ask the City of Lorain various questions NONE of Which have been answered to date:

1.What is the general time citywide between a complaints made to the Building Dept. and the requested inspection taking place?

2. What is the average time line for the process?

3. Were any other properties inspected during the time 1127 W 4th Street and outbuildings such as garages, roofs, gutters etc. on the day 1227 W. 4th Street was inspected?

4. Were any other citations given during that time period the inspector was inspecting 1127, W 4th Street?

THE END ??????

Dye- abolical – goose /gander Inspection Process Pt. 4 – Lorain

I have covered three of the three examples of the process of Inspections, the Building Dept. and the process so far. These complaints have been filed and commented upon by serving “elected officials” not Joe Blow citizen but people whose job of work is to make their city and ward a better place.
1965 E 28th Street- Mayor Krasienko -2008-2012 documented from 2008 –

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/02/07/dye-abolical-goose-and-the-gander-inspection-process-lorain/

current state

1965 28th Street January 2015

3620 Clifton Ave – Councilman Eddie Edwards documented since 2012 https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/02/10/dye-abolical-goose-gander-inspection-process-pt-2-lorain/
current state

113 Hamilton Ave- Councilman Dennis Flores

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/02/12/dye-abolical-goose-gander-inspection-process-pt-3-lorain/

JULY-2014 found Council Person R. Lucente asking:

Jul 16, 2014
How did all the Houses and Buildings get in such poor condition? As I said
when the Point of sale issue came before Council, We did not need more tools
in our toolbox, We just needed to use the tools we already had in the box.

You might be interested to know Mr. Lucente, although I support Point of Sale – https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/07/05/the-nuisance-and-point-of-sale-ordinance-lorain/
these same thoughts were stated at a meeting of a start up of a “block watch” in 2005 ( 10 years ago) by Lorain County Prosecutors Office George Koury and previous Safety Service Director 1996-1999 – when asked about what laws could be passed because of the state of the buildings and homes in the 2nd Ward – He said:

There are ordinances already on the books – they just have to be enforced.

Note that was in the cafeteria room of the Old St. Joe’s Hospital and we know what is happening there today don’t we?
http://www.cleveland.com/avon-lake/index.ssf/2015/01/veterans_clinic_moving_from_cu.html

Ironically, at that meeting was Joe Smith who is also running for the position of 2nd Ward Councilman –
Ward Two is and has been the dumping ground, by banks, RSO’s – poor and substandard rentals and abandoned building as well a ghost town of commerce along Broadway.

It is a big job and so goes the 2nd ward so eventually goes the city!

Well, Councilman Lucente, this might give you an answer as this seems to be indicative of the tools in the box“

source Amazon dot com

As mentioned in part three, Mr. Flores, often ,in his emails expressed frustration and concerns as to the timely manner of response by the Building Dept. to his notifications:
One such property 1761 HAMILTON AVE.
On January 25th 2013 _ two years ago Mr. Flores wrote in an email:

“It seems to me that a lot of the work I report falls on deaf-ears…
I’m requesting that a letter be sent notifying the property owner of this nuisance, vacant building.”
Parcel Number: 02-01-006-134-008
Owner Name &
Address: MIHALICK DAVID R & JENNIFER L
6106 GLADYS AVE ELYRIA, OH 44035
Taxes owed : $4,617.23

1761 HAMILTON JANUARY 2013

Since this blog did its own inspection this week February 9th 2015 - not much has changed, as you see , at the front- the shrubbery has grown in front of the windows and the rear of the property ????? – well more than a “don spout” needed here

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/ode-to-a-downspout-named-don-lorain/

JANUARY 2015- Click on jpg to enlarge

Not much in the way of timely intervention then BUT- The Building Dept. did inspect this property- Email: dated FRIDAY THE 13TH -2015 from the Building Dept to Mr. Flores .

ONE YEAR AGO-2014
1/24/2014 Requested for rental inspection.
11 MONTHS AGO
3/8/2014 Home is in foreclosure, not rental.

5/20/2014 Cited for high grass.
7/28/2014 Cited for high grass. (NOTE: high grass???? that is it??? will wonders ever cease!!!!)
I saw a note that it was cited on 3/9/2012 and it was sent to court on 3/20/2013. “NOTE” and what if any was the outcome of that ?????

Two years ago sent to court, and here we are TWO YEARS later – timely indeed- another time- another year passes
Is it any wonder why during a council meeting November 2013 discussing the housing in Lorain,Council at Large Dan Given stated:

http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20131115/lorain-housing-study-draws-praise-but-citizens-frustrated

I’m still going to spin this thing back; the way we’re doing it now is broken,” Given said. “Issuing citations to property owners now, we might as well be writing them on toilet paper.”

And yet 4 working days after the complaint by Kathy Dye the Building Dept was on the job ??? Might want to save some of that toilet paper as “it” hits the fan!!!!!

Once again to be continued……….

Dye- abolical – goose /gander Inspection Process Pt 3 – Lorain

I have covered 2 of the three examples of the process of Inspections, the Building Dept. and the process so far. These two have been documented to death on this blog and others over the years and whose main complainants have been elected officials.
1965 E 28th Street- Mayor Krasienko -2008-2012 documented from 2008 –

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/02/07/dye-abolical-goose-and-the-gander-inspection-process-lorain/

current state

1965 28th Street January 2015

3620 Clifton Ave Councilman Eddie Edwards documented since 2012 https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/02/10/dye-abolical-goose-gander-inspection-process-pt-2-lorain/
current state

Part Three : 2nd Ward Councilman Dennis Flores
Mr. Flores is one of the more active and reachable council people .

His 2nd ward also happens to cover a great deal of the oldest housing and building stock in Lorain. He has been tireless over the years he has held office in reporting problem buildings, housing in his ward. I know this because, for the most part, when the issues are in this – Lorain’s oldest neighborhood- I get copied on the emails.

There are hundreds over the years – I lost count . Mr. Flores usually attached photos. Below are just two screen shots of the dozens and dozens submitted to the Building Dept.

There is an ongoing tone of frustration in his emails as he has repeatedly asked for follow-up status on his complaints. I know “some” have gone through the process. What the status and success of out come of those and the length of time in the system I cannot document at the moment. I have asked the city administration for some answers- none forthcoming as of today. However, I can comment on at least one of the properties, as I was party to the email conversation at the time

113 Hamilton- In September (22nd- 2014) Mr. Flores wrote (edited)

Sep 22, 2014
There are several issues here but how will this get resolved?
Received a complaint regarding 6 raccoons climbing into the hole on east corner side of 113 Hamilton ave.,

Also there was a handicap ramp built so in a way to block-in a motor home and the vehicle still parking in front-lawn of house.
Please advise, what are the steps to get these issues resolved? Thank Dennis

The reason I have picked this one is it is an historically significant home. Charleston Village had also received many enquiries / complaints. Since the owner is elderly, has some disability and the home receives some tourist traffic, we tried to help.
2010 Home picture ( Dan Brady http://danielebrady.blogspot.com

We had cleaned and painted for the owner in October 2011
Home pictured October 2011 after clean -up

However, over the ensuring months, more issues developed – including an unhappy neighbor, who was turned down for rehab loan on their property due to the condition of this property. I said as much in a return email to those to whom Mr. Flores sent the complaint.

This is actually the home that was the birthplace of Admiral King. Charleston Village did help the owner clear, clean and paint the porch two years ago due to the dedication of the Admiral King Tribute Site. Unfortunately things have, as Dennis stated, deteriorated both with the wheel chair “fencing” and the conditions outside and inside the house . We have had complaints from property owners who have been turned down for financing due to the condition of this house , when they had been trying to rehab their property. FYI I sincerely hope something can be done to alleviate this situation as sad as these conditions are in and around our neighborhood what with other historic properties being neglected this one getting to this state is particularly sad………. Loraine Ritchey

I asked Mr. Flores last week to check and see if there had been a recent inspection report on this property and or follow-up and any paperwork since obviously the timely inspection of my property – 4 working days – seemed to set a bar.

Mr. Flores, double checked personally. There had been some paperwork before his complaint in September ( a building permit for the ramp) a citation in 2010 before we ( the volunteers of Charleston Village) cleaned up the property but it seems Mr. Flores complaint of September 22nd 2014 did not meet with the “speedy” response as did 1127, 4th Street. There wasn’t any paperwork forthcoming showing a follow-up from the Building Dept. officials

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/02/05/the-dyenamics-of-inspections-time-lines-lorain/

WHY??????? should not Mr. Flores’ ( an elected official) complaints be met with the same speedy response as Design Review Board member Kathy Dye?

to be continued …………

The DYEnamics of Inspections – Time lines – Lorain

http://www.3quarksdaily.com

Long time readers of this blog will see the exploration of what works and doesn’t work in the “inspections” of older properties.And I was not alone ! There is a “history” from Mark Teleha’s Lorain County Photographer Blog
Dear Madam Housing Inspector ( the grief wrongly given ) 2008 – it does happen

http://www.locophotogblog.com/?p=269

There are even more that I’ve done that still HAVEN’T been addressed. Some that are so horrible, that I can’t imagine why they haven’t been cited yet. How do I know? Because there hasn’t been a damn thing done to any of them since I first saw them.
If what I’m doing is something that you have to complain about, then maybe you’re not doing enough.

My series on the Building Dept.

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/the-cowboys-of-lorain-no-more-shooting-blanks-part-7/

Due to the recent, very quick response by the Building Dept. inspecting my property due to a complaint made by a sitting member of the Lorain Design Review Board Mrs. Kathy( Cathy) Dye

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/ode-to-a-downspout-named-don-lorain/

I decided to see how this “particular inspection” process worked so well and yet our council people have had issues over the years getting the “process” going .

Mrs. Dye of the Lorain Design Review Board took issue with my property and her course of action she stated in
JUNE 2013

“ WHILE YOU TAKE THIS RUN DOWN BROADWAY I’M GOING TO ALL OF YOUR HOMES.

“https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/on-broadway-downtown-the-44052/
Now I am sure it was just a coincidence the city conducted block inspections that summer. – well maybe- now I am not so sure ;) However, I am pleased to say those on this block who received citations followed up and the block looks so much better. For the record we received no such citations in 2013. That apparently was not good enough for Mrs. Dye .

In her “dye a tribe” against me personally after threatening ( in my opinion) the Mayor ( Ritenauer) and the Director of Building Housing and Planning,( Leon Mason) she started out to prove she was a bigger bitch than I. Oh dear didn’t know it was a contest !

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/01/10/city-officials-caught-between-a-ritchey-and-a-dye-place/

ON JANUARY 9th 2015 at 11:56 Kathy Dye – Design Review Board member wrote

…. I can be a bigger bitch than Loraine Ritchie. I know of several things if I spill the beans will cause a huge uproar in this city as well as a large number of law suits.

I was previously asked to keep my mouth shut about all of it but my patience is running thin. Just to also let you know the information I know has nothing to do with any previous city employees……
…..#2, Loraine Ritchie has a lot of “ordinance issues” on the outside of her property, what about the inside?
#4 I understand the mayor is planning to run again. Well after I start sending out my series of letters to all the tv stations, radio stations and newspapers I don’t think it will help his campaign. The ball is now in your hands. If things don’t straighten up immediately with my son and his building the letters will begin next week.

Once again I was mentioned in her email to the Design Review Board on January 13th 2015. Seems I was still on her mind and she had followed through
January 11th 2015 approximately 1:30 in the afternoon on a Sunday
The Dye tribe were outside my home taking photos of my home and also back in the alley . looking I suppose for my “ordinance issues- not found in 2013 apparently – time for a Dye re-inspection-

Now Kathy, was apparently very upset with Mr. Klinar the Chief Building Inspector and wrote in an email Wednesday January 14th 2015 at 1:19 ( three days after her photo inspection)

NOTE: I had put in a public records request and answers to some questions which will be in the next post . So far I have just received the citation (sent by Klinar) and this email.

Looking at this email it is the “second call” Mrs. Dye made on my property- did not Mr. Klinar jump quick enough after her first call? Because also, according to this email ,my overgrown growth is a real hazard to the rodent population:

Oh NO!!! first a downspout named Don dangling and discharging on the ground in sub freezing weather and now the rats are in peril!

Obviously, having some degree of intelligence I realize what Kathy was trying ,in her way, to say – and for the sake of those reading my garage does not require downspouts- a fact well-known to those inspecting older garages.

However ,it seems Mr. Klinar after this admonishment from Kathy Dye of the Design Review Board, got right on that request as 4 working days later he was out and about with his clip board – snow not holding him back- and we duly received the lone downspout citation and the garage needing to be painted in the spring. As an aside his vehicle that day , as we had been having issues with people doing nefarious things in the alley, was noted as a suspicious vehicle .hmmmmm

The issue here is the time lines and who gets what inspected in a timely manner. The next post will address the power of Dye as opposed to those council people who are still waiting and have been for months and years for inspections and out come of those inspections ……. TO BE CONTINUED

Retribution- DYE a Tribed- The process

OR SMILE YOU HAVE BEEN DYE- A – TRIBED
( DYE- A TRIBED – TO VISIT RETALIATION AND RETRIBUTION USING A PERCEIVED or POSSIBLE POSITION OF POWER BY THE TRIBE OF DYE)
Part One https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/01/26/is-it-worth-it-retaliation-dealing-with-the-dregs/
Part Two:
Oh Horrors upon horrors

“GUILTY as charged by the tribe of Dye- there are apparently CODE VIOLATIONS on my property – since the inspections of 2013.

I am hanging my head in shame because on this 90-year-old house I have ONE downspout that has become disconnected…… I am so sorry Lorain for lowering the property values in Charleston village by my awful violation of the “dreaded downspout debacle”

Please get out the stocks – get the whip to whip my feet- How could I let down the ambiance of this Lorain’s oldest neighborhood ? Please accept my abject apologies

But that is NOT ALL I am guilty of – that 90 year old garage – well shame of shame -it needs painting ( as readers were aware) and was in need of repair when my son went to help his father to do so -Unfortunately cancer and grief got in the way-
https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2014/03/03/march-3rd-feeling-the-energy-chris-ritchey/

no excuse -everyone has problems – the homeowner has to realize the responsibilities of owning a home or a building.


Hands up ! I am totally guilty – bring out the bread and water and slap me silly I deserve the shame of the “shedding garage”. Come to think about it my husband is the one in need of bread and water !

Actually , we have until spring to paint it – hopefully it is a warm April…. but it will be done ( as it was already in the plan) I so want to adhere to Lorain’s Building codes -I have groused about them long enough.

And.. that presented a problem, as we know, because one of the many buildings I took issue with was the son of Kathy ( Cathy ) Dye and his “Kharisma “( favor freely given) 418 Broadway building and his documented violations that were a hazard to the community WHICH TOOK MONTHS to go through the process -which included alligators( Caymans) theft of over 14 thousand dollars of gas and illegal hookups and a tax bill of delinquent taxes since his ownership of 2010 totaling $14,650.41 cents.
Heck I didn’t even mention that “chatty cathy” herself of Lorain Design Review Board was behind by $1,807.92.

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/01/08/the-dye-is-set-a-sign-of-trouble-lorain/

No, I just reported what was in the media and the inspection reports showing there were various issues but the “dye was cast” and a diatribe spewed forth in the form of emails- we will get back to that in another part to the series.
and the threat made in a previous post to this blog .
WHILE YOU TAKE THIS RUN DOWN BROADWAY I’M GOING TO ALL OF YOUR HOMES. (Dye)

Note: it will be interesting to see when I get the answers to my Public Records Request just whom Java Lady ( aka Kathy Dye) reported – just me or the whole block? I wait with bated breath.

Sorry neighbors – guilt by association :( and of course it seems the Kathy has much more clout than I ( could it be because I don’t spill beans but cook them?). After all it took me 38 YEARS to get something done about the house on the corner – https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/11/16/welcome-to-fairyland-aka-in-the-pink-lorain-ohio/
Well its lone downspout was connected – there was that! Maybe “Chatty Kathy” can let us in on her “protocol” for getting the Building Dept to “move quickly” ? I am sure other complainants such as council people , might be interested ;)

Of course this whole situation of my non compliance – the “dreaded downspout debacle” was brought about by Debbie Dye – the photographer -and her mother Kathy Dye of the Design Review Board doing their “tit for tat” on Sunday January 11th 2015 at approximately 2 pm. by sitting outside my house and driving up and down the alley taking photos in order to “catch me” in non- compliance”.

And to my undying shame we have been cited for a lone disconnected downspout and a garage in need of paint…. no alligators, illegal gas hook-ups and a building considered dangerous to one’s health

If they did but know it they have done me a huge favor _ sorry “catty dye” I have been nagging my husband for two years to paint the garage – Do you do basements????

All joking aside there are some questions that have to be answered as to enforcement time lines and retribution.

In the next few posts we will explore the system and most importantly what I consider coercion – if not worse – visited upon city officials and elected officials and “using” the complaint process for private vendettas

Note: I am waiting for information requested under a public records request and until then this blog will- as the Old Wom Blog used to say- be getting into our Way Back machine…………..

To be continued

Is it worth it? Retaliation -dealing with the dregs

Who I Am by Chris Ritchey

“Nothing should be hidden or untouchable , if it is your truth and you stand behind it – no one should be able to silence you”- Christopher D. Ritchey

I have over the years written a great many posts about “freedom of speech” “freedom of choice” and advocacy. There are over 1,400 posts on this blog alone ( some in draft form) in the past 7 years.

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2014/08/13/freedom-of-speech-usa-really-pt-4/

“But as I watched the bully beat of on going editorials, letters to the editor been there before , media and facebook comments -my son’s words kept playing over and over in my head .. KNOWING NOTHING I WOULD SAY WOULD CHANGE A DAMNED THING . Why should I ? Because as one person’s opinion is silenced by the weapons of embarrassment, and ridicule- 10 others look and learn the lesson and walk away- and that my friends is the insidious beginning of the death of free speech!”

I have also written a great many posts with regard to our housing situation , https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/category/lorain-multi-property-owners/
the deterioration of our neighborhoods and our business district in this city called Lorain.

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-lorain/60-percent-of-downtown-loran-empty-hopes-of-rezoning-as-entertainment-district-to-breath-new-life

I wrote a seven part series exactly two years ago about the Building Dept. that is Lorain (you can find links to the previous posts in the series in this part 7)

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/the-cowboys-of-lorain-no-more-shooting-blanks-part-7/

I am pleased to say things have tightened up – we now have Point of Sale –
Vacant and Foreclosed property registration, http://www.cityoflorain.org/forms/
However , what is known as Broadway Business District ( Waterfront District) continues to deteriorate – the process of inspections etc takes quite a long time because they have to get it right. We now have more inspectors but considering the “state ” of this city and her building stocks it will take time and time is not on our side when it comes to these buildings.

Rick Lucente 6th ward councilman said in an email to fellow council people and the administration in July 2014 in response to Dennis Flores complaint about a property cited – one of George Schneider’s

Jul 16, 2014
How did all the Houses and Buildings get in such poor condition? As I said
when the Point of sale issue came before Council, We did not need more tools
in our toolbox, We just needed to use the tools we already had in the box.
Example is the old Eagles Café on the corner of East 30th and Grove Ave
which is a main access in to the city of Lorain.
I believe the Point of sale helps but we should of never let things get in
such bad shape.

Note : George Schneider who as per the Morning Journal article died September 19th-2014 and in the words of Rick Payerchin

http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20140920/lorain-businessman-george-schneider-dies-at-51

“Schneider also was an occasional target of Lorain blog writer Loraine Ritchey of the Charleston Village Society, who has argued neglect by owners of rental properties have hurt the neighborhoods, especially in central Lorain.”

Dear George of the nearly 300 properties 275 in Lorain

http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2014/09/21/lorain-elyria-landlord-dies-51/

“. However, Safety/Service Director Robert Fowler said Schneider owns about 300 properties in the county, with about 275 in Lorain.

Schneider owned some properties in limited liability companies, Mayor Chase Ritenauer said. Limited liability company members have little personal liability if the company has debts.

Schneider had 57 code violations on Lorain properties through May of last year. Dozens remain in violation, said Leon Mason, director of building, housing and planning.

Yes, I and other bloggers

http://www.locophotogblog.com/?p=185

were pointing out the issues with George for many years when he owned JUST 34 properties . Now George has passed and the city will have to work with property managers , attorneys and wills and non wills such as Lewis Strnad who passed in 2010 and we the residents and city officials are still dealing with his legacy, his dozens of properties still hanging about including the historic home of Mayor King

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/06/21/these-old-houses-are-talking-are-we-listening/

There has always been a danger when speaking out or writing about issues. After all you are usually stepping on someone’s toes and that can cause you to bear the brunt of retaliation( and don’t think that isn’t the case) . Most people now choose their battles and will speak out only if an issue directly affects their own lives.

I, too have walked away lately- but history and history on this blog will come back to bite and updating posts is needed. I updated the “happenings- non happenings” with the Kharishma / Dye building and posts written 2 years ago and there in lies the rub. This set off a firestorm of rhetoric by Kathy Dye – the mama of Dale Kris Dye the owner of 418 Broadway and what I believed and still believe was reprehensible behavior of Kathy ( Cathy) Dye from one who has long-held ( 20 years) a significant position on a City Of Lorain Board - Design Review Board.

To Be Continued……………………

City Officials -Caught Between a Ritchey and a Dye Place

freedom of speech by Chris Ritchey

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/06/21/is-this-a-bad-area-mum-the-44052/

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/on-broadway-downtown-the-44052/

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/07/01/chairman-of-the-design-review-board-responds/

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/07/11/the-design-review-board-the-process-and/

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/06/28/fabricating-broadway-the-dye-is-set-418/

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/06/30/on-broadway-dye-downtown-the-44052/

Last Thursday I wrote a post on the continuing saga of 418 Broadway, Lorain Ohio https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2015/01/08/the-dye-is-set-a-sign-of-trouble-lorain/ as the Morning Journal had run an article as to the building conditions and the “behavior” of the owner

In 2013 this blog brought to the attention of the readers issues happening in our deteriorating “downtown”. Although many people have been trying for years to change the blighted direction of what is known as the Broadway Corridor and more recently “the Waterfront District” the rot, literally, of the buildings has continued. My question in my last post as to the further deterioration of 418 was to the “powers that be”

WHY, if complaints had been made over the many months and years as to the issues with this poster child of a building, did it take so long for the process to start?

It is no secret there were issues with that building and they could be “seen ” from even a cursory sidewalk inspection.

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/on-broadway-downtown-the-44052/

Why didn’t our inspectors, Building Dept. act? Why didn’t the acting head of Community Development ( Rey Carrion – no longer with the city) at the time follow through as to the “signage” situation of that building?

Yesterday, I received a copy of an email sent to “Leon Mason, Director
Department of Building, Housing and Planning- City Of Lorain”. I was sent a copy of the email because, as you will read, I am pretty much the focus of the ire.

The email in question was sent by Kathy Dye, mother of the owner of the 418 Broadway. Ms. Dye is a long-time member of the Design Review Board in Lorain http://www.cityoflorain.org/economic_community_development/agendas
and herself a business owner on Broadway- Dyes Appliances- 960 Broadway

Kathy Dye is no stranger to this blog and in 2013 had her say as to my thoughts etc. which I duly posted and answered to her “all caps rant” and innuendo , name calling and her promise “WHILE YOU TAKE THIS RUN DOWN BROADWAY I’M GOING TO ALL OF YOUR HOMES.”

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/06/30/on-broadway-dye-downtown-the-44052/

The situation with 418 Broadway and the owners ‘trouble” has once again surfaced this week

http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20150107/lorain-building-owner-accused-of-illegal-gas-tap

and I duly wrote about it. The effect of the recent news had another email from Kathy Dye- I have highlighted the words I find troubling from Ms Dye

From: Java******** [mailto:Javalady*******]
Sent: Friday, January 09, 2015 11:56 AM
To: Mason, Leon
Subject: Design review board
Getting pretty sick and tired of Loraine Ritchie running this city with her complaints.

#1 if you and the mayor are going to harrass people you should look at everybody, not just a few chosen people. I can be a bigger bitch than Loraine Ritchie. I know of several things if I spill the beans will cause a huge uproar in this city as well as a large number of law suits. I was previously asked to keep my mouth shut about all of it but my patience is running thin. Just to also let you know the information I know has nothing to do with any previous city employees.

#2, Loraine Ritchie has a lot of “ordinance issues” on the outside of her property, what about the inside?

#3 Loraine Ritchie keeps saying that my son did not get approval for his Kharisma sign. Well when he came before the board, before you came aboard, We gave him a conditional approval if the sign fit the sign board. Well it fit and we sent pictures to Dave Gulden as we were told. Then the uproar came and community development was dissolved and Dave damaged his files, not our fault. So I sent pictures again to Rey Carrion. Whatever happened to them I do not know. So here we still are seeing Loraine running her flapping mouth that the sign was hung illegally and that he was told to remove it. Well that is not the case and I want a letter sent for the approval now. The Building Department was notified months ago that we were still waiting for it.

#4 I understand the mayor is planning to run again. Well after I start sending out my series of letters to all the tv stations, radio stations and newspapers I don’t think it will help his campaign. The ball is now in your hands. If things don’t straighten up immediately with my son and his building the letters will begin next week.

#5 Also I have a question, why did the ex-mayor and your father back in their day refuse to take the mast from Admiral King’s boat that sank and make a memorial here in Lorain?

Remember this is a sitting member of Lorain’s Design Review Board- one has to ask WHY? is she- who wishes to hold hostage a process for which she supposedly “sits” for deny due diligence of that process a member of such a board? There is something wrong with that scenario

I want to address Kathy Dyes comments :
I will skip for the moment to No. 2.

“Loraine Ritchie has a lot of “ordinance issues” on the outside of her property, what about the inside?”

I am unaware of any ordinance issues on the outside of my property and when the homes etc. on 4th street were inspected last year we were not cited for any issues. As for the inside of my home – well I can guarantee not one alligator or unusual pets just Shadow

Kathy is more than welcome along with any one else to come on in- just call first so I am not in my pajamas. In fact, they have done so twice when this house was on tour for two different homes tours for fundraising.
A childish “tit for tat” methinks!

Let us address No 3 the dreaded signage . Kathy needs to read the post from the PRESIDENT of the Design Review Board and the explanation – it has been stated clearly enough on this blog – twice-

https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/07/01/chairman-of-the-design-review-board-responds/

CITYWIDE DESIGN REVIEW GUIDELINES

The board has NOT approved the signage for 418 Broadway as we were not presented with the required submission documentation.

The signage was reviewed and there were conditions that had to be met by Mr. Dye to receive approval. The board has not received the information required for conditional approval. The signage was installed illegally

Now down to the rather strange question to Leon Mason with regard to his father , who at one time was Community Development Director for a few months. No 5

” #5 Also I have a question, why did the ex-mayor and your father back in their day refuse to take the mast from Admiral King’s boat that sank and make a memorial here in Lorain?”

I am not sure what this has to do with anything except her possible use of an innuendo – the lack of thinking and knowledge” leads me to wonder as to “lack of reason”. But that being said let me “educate Ms. Dye on the “history” –

refuse to take the mast from Admiral Kings boat that sunk…

Sorry Ms Dye, you have the wrong end of the mast….. Admiral King’s boat didn’t sink, it was the bombing by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor which caused the sinking of the USS Arizona.

” The battleship USS Arizona (BB 39) was sunk at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The superstructure above the waterline was removed soon after the attack. Admiral Earnest H. King, Chief of Naval operations, sent the signal mast to his hometown of Lorain, Ohio. Commander Edwin C. Keyes, a close friend of Adm. King commanded that naval armory in Lorain. https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/and-lorain-said-no-admiral-king-lorain-ohio/

AND Ms Dye there were three mayors involved over a decade when the signal mast was an issue. If you are going to cast veiled aspersions I would suggest you get your facts straight first.!!!!

As petty , erroneous and spiteful the above are, it is in my opinion nothing to what Ms. Dye threatens ( and to me there is no other word for it for me) and tries intimidation of one government official and also the duly elected Mayor of the City of Lorain –

http://www.3quarksdaily.com

IF the Director of Department of Building, Housing and Planning for the City of Lorain does NOT “straighten up” immediately with my son and his building” letters will be sent to the media which will apparently according to her that will cause adverse publicity to the Mayor’s campaign ( Mr. Mason’s boss”)

What those letters contain can only be guessed at with her initial statement “I can be a bigger bitch than Loraine Ritchie. I know of several things if I spill the beans will cause a huge uproar in this city as well as a large number of law suits. I was previously asked to keep my mouth shut about all of it but my patience is running thin.

I understand the mayor is planning to run again. Well after I start sending out my series of letters to all the tv stations, radio stations and newspapers I don’t think it will help his campaign. The ball is now in your hands. If things don’t straighten up immediately with my son and his building the letters will begin next week.

I find Ms. Dye’s behavior insulting , provocative in the extreme and from board member of the “supposed” unbiased Design Review Board most worrying.

HER son is charged with according to the Morning Journal reporting

“unsafe connections to gas supply lines and rubber hoses being used for natural gas” in the building, according to the police report.
The building’s last natural gas connection ended July 7, 2008, according to the Columbia Gas report. One gas meter in the building showed the building had gas usage totaling $14,469 from August 2010, when Dye took possession of the building, to November last year, according to the report.

It is my interpretation – MS DYE, is stating unless the City of Lorain Director of Building and Planning doesn’t intercede and give “sonny” the all clear then she will send out letters containing “what” ??????knowledge of wrongful doings with the City of Lorain enough to cause lawsuits??? -( What a responsible citizen ( that is sarcasm for those in doubt) ! Hopefully, who ever receives these Diatribes of Dye will fact check because her “record” of getting the facts straight even in this last email is nought for 5!

However, I think I have the answer to my question as to why it takes so long for things to happen in this city, with people like Ms Dye “on board” the City of Lorain had better cross all its T’s and dot its i’s otherwise who knows what vicious, vindictive behaviors will come about.

And to those who wonder why I have retired from “downtown” see above….. However, I have not retired from the truth …… Shhhh listen carefully is that sound you hear the falling of another building on Broadway, the “termagant” of Broadway( aka Ms Dye) or perhaps the power of politics in its death throes ????????