What are several of the best initiatives that have happened in Brecksville over the last year?
The new additions to the Community Center — including the outdoor and indoor pools — have been completed, which residents are enjoying extensively. And I’m very pleased that we’ll be opening new retail downtown. Apricot Lane, a women’s boutique, opened in March, and a new barbershop is also coming.
On the south side of town, the DiGeronimo family is nearing final approval to move DiGeronimo Companies’ corporate headquarters — which will be a 5-story office building providing space for 700 jobs — to Valor Acres.
It’s also noteworthy that due to new construction of homes and businesses, we increased our total property valuations by $100 million last year — which is a record for us as our tax rate continues to drop, and a milestone few other cities in the county have achieved.
Brecksville also celebrated the opening of the Blossom Hill Field House next to the new elementary school. What does this expansive sports complex mean to the city?
We’re getting raves from our residents about this fantastic new addition to Brecksville. The 29,308-square-foot facility features volleyball, basketball, pickleball and tennis courts, as well as batting and pitching cages, a two-lane walking/jogging track and fitness classes. Additionally, the Field House hosts tournaments just about every weekend, which brings revenue in to help with the operating costs. And, since we partnered with the school [in the initiative], it saved taxpayers money and works out great for all of us.
What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
We’re looking forward to a $3.4 million road program for improvements to our neighborhood streets. [Plans] include replacing sewer and water lines on Glenwood Trail and parts of Chippewa Road from Riverview to Wiese and [improving] Route 82, including sidewalks all the way down to Riverview Road. Nothing fancy is planned for this year. It’s all about infrastructure.
