[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6542252,"mediaKeyId","3639742-b3d6f504e8d24aaf06dc104d320825d5","parentId",3639742,"title","Lakewood approves application for $39M CSO storage project loan; officials cite tight deadlines for funding","audioSeconds",459,"startMs",6101000,"endMs",6560000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639742-b3d6f504e8d24aaf06dc104d320825d5&start=6101&end=6560","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639742-b3d6f504e8d24aaf06dc104d320825d5/thumbnail_6101000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6542252/Lakewood/Cuyahoga-County/Ohio/Lakewood-approves-application-for-39M-CSO-storage-project-loan-officials-cite-tight-deadlines-for-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542252-4243eb867fd2579132ec8923e50d537d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775506742&Signature=hDOyN7NTb39QeAPCSgmpo2RsEI5v0~egKTpNxkMhONvghd5fgBuIbhkrQQMcasTyFijjgs8NDAwTkHGXuuRnsSKUFSBxLuD5EE-hca~Xf-ilzwp6lhb679pcQ3hOKwyMFvzKWuXPBpkPPwf7OaYXSEZFiiG5-XsfW6lxcuh36f8dus0ZPpaVsFX0vrGnOHd-ekpIpDq19AY3gxrq6YZQ6XG3yYtoUlwZoKeunL2HBybivN3Gm4V5SLPNGgN0h1KDyqrll--M7soaL6HaSjM~YJrsKImK8ZeAdJxOnqbwXfee3OG7tPTHcSS7qkTVPlscuuoC0Hk-OGC--8Pq~XldjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lakewood, Ohio","date","2025-06-03T14:01:38Z","article","Lakewood City Council on June 2 authorized the administration to apply for and accept a Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) agreement to finance construction of a combined sewer overflow (CSO) storage facility adjacent to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

The project includes construction of a roughly 2,100,000‑gallon storage tank and modification of CSO 052 overflow work required by the city’s NPDES wastewater permit and as part of a partial consent decree. Public Works Director Gordon told council the project is estimated at $39,000,000 and that the city has sought WPCLF funding to lower borrowing costs and preserve debt capacity.

Officials said loan repayment would be spread over roughly 30 years at a low interest rate; Finance Director Mahoney said the project was included in the sewer/water rate consultant (Raftelis) forecast through 2028 and noted the loan approach reduces the city’s need to add general-obligation debt. The administration also reported application for Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) assistance is pending, and council acknowledged a near‑$1 million federal assistance award secured with help from Congresswoman Shontel Brown.

Why it matters: council members described the project as part of a multi-decade, federally mandated compliance effort under a consent decree for sewer and wastewater improvements. Council approved Resolution 2025-26, authorizing the mayor and designated officials to apply for and execute a WPCLF agreement and to designate a dedicated repayment source.

Council discussion: Councilmember Vogt and others asked for affordability details and repayment terms; Finance Director Mahoney said the Raftelis projections account for these projects through 2028 and cautioned that rate adjustments are likely to be revisited as projects proceed. Public Works and finance staff said the city is pursuing grant and loan combinations to reduce resident costs and preserve credit rating.

Outcome: Council adopted Resolution 2025-26 on first reading and passed the motion to authorize application and execution of a WPCLF agreement. Staff said WPCLF and OPWC application deadlines are tight and asked council to act promptly to secure funding.

What the record shows: the council approved authorizing the application for WPCLF funding and designated a repayment source; the project estimate is $39 million, repayment term approximately 30 years, and additional grant funding remains under consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lakewood City Council Livestream 6/2/25","oneSentenceSummary","Lakewood authorized application for WPCLF financing on June 2 for a $39 million combined-sewer-overflow storage project — a 2.1-million-gallon tank required under permit and consent-decree obligations.","taxTitle","Lakewood, Cuyahoga County, Ohio","taxId",5453,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6542256,"Lakewood imposes temporary moratorium on smoke shops as residents raise complaints about storefront signage",3780,3360000,7140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639742-b3d6f504e8d24aaf06dc104d320825d5&start=3360&end=7140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639742-b3d6f504e8d24aaf06dc104d320825d5/thumbnail_3360000.jpg","/articles/6542256/Lakewood/Cuyahoga-County/Ohio/Lakewood-imposes-temporary-moratorium-on-smoke-shops-as-residents-raise-complaints-about-storefront-signage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542256-4a39b61a0d2b7993cf5cf9cccce2a78d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775506742&Signature=oSlfCAQp8bBbh573AgfQU2Omlzx0wAOzFoT7PAdqZVjhO0Wylu7Im5CqB0bupvMIFBVITmMRKGeoEKCwywbEpze5ogdPB3qSoNrMNAUSuXhueXo7NZMllwg~ZaNt0A6uXhsoevanmQAkEajP3UZsL4vAJFeBKbYATCYItyVkiyqbTyKkJi1WHzgrn~hsYfY3UQ~Fwlj3td5B1BhdIdbkIpsrsdsJ~dTc7imHr4lSo5EKn4DsMEmilQMmEOERQF~NPYadLlufET2qqsTIa4P1Fxy1A2V~dIzfrUESPx8~N7nJnLn37cRHCJpjikBzcLmPYSVIOO5Wgnay9lZMB0vbOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakewood City Council voted June 2 to impose a temporary moratorium on the issuance or processing of permits for smoke shops while city staff and council review zoning and signage rules for retail corridors.

The moratorium — adopted by council as Resolution 2025-25 — places a pause on new smoke-shop permits through Dec. 31, 2025, or until zoning changes are enacted, whichever comes first. The measure excludes state-licensed medical and adult-use marijuana dispensaries from the moratorium language.

Why it matters: council members said a recent increase in vape- and smoke-shop openings prompted the pause so staff can consider restrictions on signage, saturation of uses, location suitability and storefront quality. Vice President Baker, who introduced the item with the mayor, said the moratorium is intended as a “stopgap” while a zoning-code refresh proceeds.

Council discussion and drafting: members discussed whether to refer the matter to committee for further work; Councilmember Bullock asked for background on the draft language and whether any pending applications exist. City staff said Law Department attorney Miss Swallow drafted the proposed language and that it borrows from wording used in other jurisdictions. The administration said the moratorium would not affect existing businesses.

Public comment on signage: during public comment, resident Daniel McGraw said the sign of a smoke shop on Madison Avenue shines into his bedroom each night. McGraw said he was told the sign had been approved by the planning department and asked whether the city has a policy limiting signs that create glare into residences. Planning Director Byington said she would review the specific case and the code, noting the city maintains standards related to nuisance and light pollution and that staff would follow up with Mr. McGraw.

Outcome and next steps: council adopted the moratorium on first reading and passed the resolution by voice vote. The law department will prepare final ordinance language as staff evaluate zoning changes and signage standards; planning staff said they will investigate the specific signage complaint raised during public comment.

What the record shows: Resolution 2025-25 was adopted June 2 to pause smoke-shop permits while staff and council consider zoning updates. Planning staff committed to investigating the Madison Avenue signage complaint and reviewing applicable code standards.","City council adopted a moratorium on new smoke shops through Dec. 31, 2025, to give staff time to revise zoning rules; a resident also complained about bright signage at a Madison Avenue smoke shop and planning staff said they will investigate.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6542260,"Lakewood Council proclaims June Pride Month as residents urge trans-sanctuary and county ban on conversion therapy",1256,1440000,2696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639742-b3d6f504e8d24aaf06dc104d320825d5&start=1440&end=2696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639742-b3d6f504e8d24aaf06dc104d320825d5/thumbnail_1440000.jpg","/articles/6542260/Lakewood/Cuyahoga-County/Ohio/Lakewood-Council-proclaims-June-Pride-Month-as-residents-urge-trans-sanctuary-and-county-ban-on-conversion-therapy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542260-3f16297c5436b575f30e4734adecb6ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1775506742&Signature=Rds1ujB8u7HPpN8A2crHYjPlrFVU~QsuBiZYDD7HBmPjIiW1K~d3KTADNNdzrEZQCD0TzFEADKl5eXf3SyukS1MUsql0my-~S8lOOFQ8v-y9SWkcztH5fAgYubFq2hFzoRELxoqONNYOnT-FwN8PUw0uOU15Foi295-3koizSNXrj-z3jcS8RdemlJ4rPWO~SR7H8pOpm2dblxC8kMHG9CAW5AzUzOobkDZi~JRU7Wy0HoEuGxLJUAmjvHq5ghiBWplp9HW5rpiR7u4P1VN2IddzA3W4qzTU5~Arsv7lH6mdgE4DrVMo3PUupjKi6e1xbA1UtRSr1xlDHEYDmoaAPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakewood City Council on June 2 adopted a resolution recognizing June 2025 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (Pride) Month and received a stream of public comments urging faster local protections for transgender residents.

The resolution, introduced by Mayor George, President Keppel and Councilmember Strubig, passed on a voice vote; the council also voted to sign a letter asking Cuyahoga County leadership to enact a countywide ban on conversion therapy. Council members moved to receive and file the ceremonial communication and then adopted Resolution 2025-27 recognizing Pride Month.

Why it matters: dozens of residents — including organizers and members of the Cleveland Democratic Socialists of America, the Lakewood Youth Council and local residents with family members who are transgender — told council they want Lakewood to adopt stronger, explicit local protections now, not later. Several speakers asked council to introduce a dedicated “trans-sanctuary” resolution at the June 16 meeting and to work with state and local advocates to draft language.

During public comment, Matt Brown thanked council for the Pride resolution and urged “urgency” to combat what he described as a wave of legal and legislative attacks on transgender people nationally. Ashley L., speaking for Cleveland DSA, asked the council to “protect your trans residents here in Lakewood by introducing the sanctuary city resolution” at the June 16 meeting. Several other residents — including Prahalika Reddy, Ryan Bergstrom and Anastasia Kuriluk — echoed that request and described the national context; Kuriluk cited a tally referenced in public remarks that “over 867 anti-LGBTQ bills” had been introduced nationwide this year.

Mayor George and President Keppel thanked speakers and told the room they would meet with advocates to discuss a path forward. “It is absolutely on the radar,” Keppel said, adding that she planned meetings with TransOhio and other experts this week to discuss “our approach.” Keppel also said staff would follow up with interested residents.

Separately, Councilmember Strubig introduced a communication asking council members to sign a letter to the Cuyahoga County Council asking for a countywide ban on conversion therapy. Council voted to attach all council members’ signatures to the letter; the motion passed without recorded dissent.

What the record shows: the council adopted the Pride Month resolution (Resolution 2025-27) and voted to sign a letter to Cuyahoga County urging a conversion-therapy ban. The council did not adopt a trans-sanctuary ordinance at the June 2 meeting; multiple public speakers urged the council to place that resolution on the June 16 agenda, and the mayor said she would meet with advocates to discuss drafting and timing.

Community context and next steps: speakers repeatedly said they view local declarations as both symbolic and practical protections amid state and federal debates. Council members signaled receptiveness to drafting additional protections but emphasized staff and expert consultation; Keppel said she had just returned to town and would schedule meetings this week. The county letter and any future sanctuary resolution will follow council’s normal committee and public notice processes.","Lakewood City Council adopted a resolution recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month and agreed to sign a letter urging Cuyahoga County to ban conversion therapy. Dozens of residents pressed council to introduce a separate trans-sanctuary resolution at the next meeting; mayor and council said they will meet with experts before proceeding.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6542245,"Lakewood honors animal-welfare volunteers, advances discussion on trap-neuter-return ordinance",1804,3486000,5290000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639742-b3d6f504e8d24aaf06dc104d320825d5&start=3486&end=5290","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639742-b3d6f504e8d24aaf06dc104d320825d5/thumbnail_3486000.jpg","/articles/6542245/Lakewood/Cuyahoga-County/Ohio/Lakewood-honors-animal-welfare-volunteers-advances-discussion-on-trap-neuter-return-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542245-77608354d120c89885148876426e56f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775506742&Signature=J-e39BSFzrGx1KaS4WEs-DF0X4xpMl0dfXfh2-H--mK0bpfX8bKbN61U0x1MfJqggzkE0uoG8pQ9AYetA7B5IZAv7MM30lVq-VpjApizTWYl9KeZuQAbOQPNmB3-7-piJ1dKkLWsNL7yJFMlPHQ0Unx8OJaK512WMwi1ooDISM6UElFL2f1ZAvFvioblpfrlZqn4tRC7paZPQqcJ~ygh~WeAWIJzINY7gQCerkFUg~D~tjsnp2G4hA1~kEGyMhJjfcxE5f4ZNxyJvSWpkt8R9pWIXR~m3L9TZsWRRfiJRvS8VKaXU7wsyb2ztpvymYOI3oRcAyXgzSgAE52LaoK1ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakewood City Council on June 2 adopted two ceremonial resolutions recognizing volunteer leaders of the Lakewood Animal Safety and Welfare Advisory Board and heard an update on the city’s spay/neuter and trap-neuter-return efforts.

Council adopted Resolution 2025-23 thanking Nancy Bender for her central role in establishing the board’s low-cost spay-and-neuter program and Resolution 2025-24 recognizing Erin Shaughnessy and Scott McDonald for longtime volunteer leadership on the advisory board. Both resolutions passed on voice votes.

Why it matters: council and board members said the low-cost spay-and-neuter program has helped reduce feral-cat populations and improved animal welfare. Councilmember Marks said the program has overseen “more than 500 pet fixes,” and Nancy Bender described outreach stories and the program’s role connecting residents to services; she said the program provided surgeries for residents who otherwise could not afford them and quoted a participant who described a cat as “the only person that loves me.”

Trap-neuter-return ordinance status: Councilmember Marks reported that the Lakewood Animal Safety and Welfare Advisory Board had discussed Ordinance 2020-25 (a proposed code change to establish regulations for trap-neuter-return of community cats). The report said the ordinance was referred to both the Public Safety Committee and the advisory board for further review and that the board plans a joint meeting with the Public Safety Committee to finalize its recommendation.

Council action on ordinance items: Ordinance 2020-25 (updates to Chapter 505 creating TNR regulations) was placed on the docket earlier in the meeting and was deferred to committee so staff and the advisory board can complete a joint review. Council emphasized the need for coordination between the advisory board, public works/parks and public safety to finalize the policy.

Outcome and next steps: ceremonial resolutions honoring volunteers were adopted; the advisory board and Public Safety Committee will complete a joint review of the proposed TNR ordinance and return a recommendation to council. The council also thanked departing volunteers and announced an appointment to fill a vacated seat on the advisory board.

What the record shows: the spay/neuter program is credited with more than 500 surgeries; the TNR ordinance (Ordinance 2020-25) remains under committee review with a joint meeting planned to finalize recommendations.","Council recognized longtime volunteers and approved ceremonial resolutions thanking leaders of the Lakewood Animal Safety and Welfare Advisory Board; staff said a trap-neuter-return (TNR) ordinance is under joint review with Public Safety following advisory board input.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lakewood approves application for $39M CSO storage project loan; officials cite tight deadlines for funding

Lakewood imposes temporary moratorium on smoke shops as residents raise complaints about storefront signage

Lakewood Council proclaims June Pride Month as residents urge trans-sanctuary and county ban on conversion therapy

Lakewood honors animal-welfare volunteers, advances discussion on trap-neuter-return ordinance