Shout Out to the City of Euclid’s Division of Community Development
Community Development implements various projects that enhance neighborhoods and business districts.
The Division of Community Development is housed in the City’s Department of Planning and Development. Community Development implements various projects that enhance neighborhoods and business districts.
Such projects and programs include housing rehabilitation and home improvement programs; improvements to parks and playgrounds, and public facilities; beautifying streets and neighborhoods by improving streetscapes, like the planting of trees; assisting businesses with exterior improvements; and providing support with other Euclid organizations like the Senior Center.
Funding for all of these projects and programs is made possible by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Euclid has been a CDBG Entitlement Community since 1974, when the Housing and Community Development Act was enacted. Entitlement Communities receive the funds directly from HUD. If Euclid was not an Entitlement Community, Euclid would need to compete for CDBG funds from either a County or State government. Euclid averages about $1 million annually, depending on budgetary appropriations enacted by Congress. The purpose of CDBG is to create suitable living environments, provided needed but limited public services, and eliminate slum and blight conditions.
Ed Chenock has been in the position of Community Development Manager since 2021 and has a decade of community development experience. Ed’s is position is to implement projects, oversee the development of plans which includes community engagement, and to ensure that projects and activities are consistent with HUD and other federal, state, and local regulations.
Jim Fialko has been in the position of Special Projects Supervisor since 1997, assists the Community Development Manager with day-to-day project tasks, supervises projects from start to finish, and consults with contractors that make the work possible. Jim also assists the Euclid Development Corporation (EDCOR) with required lead paint inspections, and inspects residential paint projects to ensure the risk of lead paint is mitigated.
Homeowners must live in Euclid, meet HUD income requirements, and must be current on their mortgage and/or property taxes. Projects for small business owners, park and public facility enhancement projects, must take place in neighborhoods where 51% or more of the population meets HUD income requirements.
2023 has been an exciting year for Community Development. We replaced vinyl siding for eight houses with deteriorated wood siding, painted the exteriors of five houses with five more underway, and replaced one roof on top of a homeowner’s garage. Each year, Community Development implements a Furnace Safety Program, where an HVAC contractor will inspect the furnace one time and provide a cleaning. If the furnace is not working properly, the HVAC contractor will recommend next steps, including substantial repairs or replacement, which is supported by Community Development.
Since 2019, the City of Euclid has been using CDBG funds to replace old and deteriorating playgrounds at neighborhood parks. We successfully replaced the playground at Tungsten Park, and a playground replacement at Heritage Park is nearing completion. We also removed and replaced street trees along Lakeshore Boulevard in Downtown Euclid between E. 218
Street and E. 222 Street.
Currently, we are in the process of planning for the 2024 CDBG year, which will include more housing rehabilitation projects, replacement of old playgrounds, support for limited yet needed public services, and critical neighborhood projects.
For any questions regarding our programs, please contact Community Development Manager, Ed Chenock at (216) 289-8140 or via email at echenock@cityofeuclid.com, or Special Projects Supervisor, Jim Fialko at (216) 289-8562 or via email at jfialko@cityofeuclid.com.
