Kennedy looking to stimulate development
By Jeff Gallatin
North Olmsted
Published Jan. 27, 2010

Mayor Kevin Kennedy

Newly-elected Mayor Kevin Kennedy told the Chamber of Commerce Thursday his administration will continue to look to the future while using key past achievements to enhance that future.

Kennedy emphasized efforts to stimulate economic development and progress while giving his first state of the city address to a jammed luncheon crowd of more than 100 at the Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon. Chamber President Jeff Herwick noted it was the largest luncheon crowd in several years, saying they apparently wanted to hear the new mayor.

“The planning department is very much aware and in support of my administration’s desire to renew the city’s focus on economic development in 2010, focusing on business retention, marketing and recruitment,” Kennedy said. “We will reach out directly to North Olmsted businesses to improve communication with City Hall, and we will aggressively pursue new businesses to bring additional jobs and new tax revenues to the city.”

Kennedy, who has run a successful computer business for many years, said the city will utilize previous accomplishments while also implementing and seeking new programs and resources. He cited the previous work on the Great Northern Multi-Modal Transportation Plan and said the city would begin implementing it this year.

“Priority projects include the enhancement of County Club Boulevard, safety improvements along Great Northern Boulevard and the expansion of Butternut Ridge Road to include bike path links to the Cleveland Metroparks,” he said.

Kennedy said using outside resources will be a key.

“In the current economic climate, we realize that grant funds will become even more important to supplementing our city budget,” he said. “We will actively seek and obtain grants and other funding awards for worthy projects such as infrastructure projects, ADA accessibility, streetscape enhancements, historic preservation and park improvements.

“Planning will promote green energy through improvements to our zoning codes and in our own facilities,” he said. “A new zoning chapter permitting and regulating wind energy will be before council early this year. Code changes permitting and regulating solar energy will also be introduced. Any future improvement to city facilities will be mindful to include sustainable and recycled components.”

Kennedy said after the speech that he will be working closely with many other groups like the chamber, private enterprise, organizations, City Council and residents in an effort to keep the city moving forward.

“It’s not something I can or want to do alone,” he said. “We have to do it together.”

He acknowledged in the address the city budget remains tight, but said the city is dealing with it.

“North Olmsted is working within a balanced budget plan for 2010 and 2011. Much of it can be attributed to the internal changes that have already been implemented,” he said. “As long as there is no major market change to the state and federal funding formulas that have been agreed to, the city of North Olmsted is on even ground.”

Kennedy reviewed statistics and programs implemented in recent years by former Mayor Thomas O’Grady and other city officials, saying that the city leadership is ready to move ahead.

“I know that we face some big challenges in 2010, and I am ready to take on those challenges,” he said. “I think we have a team of leaders that want to work together to deliver what the businesses and residents of North Olmsted deserve.”

On the Web:

• City of North Olmsted