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🅿️ Parking plot twist

Dev Test County • January 17, 2025

Good morning, Dev Test County. Remember when Cleveland's industrial might was measured in steel and smoke? Today, one of Little Italy's last remaining factory sites tells a different story of urban evolution. The former Singer Steel building, a landmark since 1923, now serves as prime parking real estate while quietly holding its breath for its next transformation – proving that even parking lots can have plot twists.

Meanwhile, Solon residents can finally see light at the end of the Hawthorn Parkway Bridge tunnel, with reconstruction finally beginning after a three-year wait. But while some infrastructure gets a fresh start, a concerning digital drama reminds us to keep watch over our elder neighbors, as a 92-year-old resident's recent $14,000 PayPal loss shows that not all modern "upgrades" are moving us forward.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏭 Historic Cleveland steel factory finds new life as lucrative parking lot. Local developer TurnDev has acquired the former Singer Steel building in Little Italy, currently generating steady income from 80 permit parking spaces used by hospital workers and restaurant visitors. The 1.22-acre site, one of the largest underdeveloped properties in the gentrifying neighborhood, was purchased through a creative deed transfer that kept the price confidential. While TurnDev has no immediate plans for redevelopment, the property's strategic location next to University Circle makes it a valuable asset for future opportunities. The site's rich history dates back to 1923 when Singer Steel first established operations there, before relocating to Streetsboro in 1994.

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🌉 After three years, Solon's Hawthorn Parkway Bridge finally starts reconstruction. The Cleveland Metroparks kicked off the long-awaited project in January 2024 after receiving delayed approval from the Ohio Department of Transportation. The comprehensive reconstruction includes demolishing the unsafe existing bridge and installing new foundations, structures, and utilities. Both vehicle traffic and nearby trails will remain closed throughout construction, with no alternate routes available for pedestrians or cyclists. The project is expected to be completed by late fall 2025, bringing relief to local residents who have dealt with the closure since 2021.

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🚨 92-year-old loses $14,000 in brazen PayPal scam. The elderly Chagrin Falls, Ohio resident became the latest victim of digital fraud, with scammers successfully accessing and draining her PayPal account. The victim's daughter reported the incident to local police on December 28, though PayPal has now taken over the investigation. The case highlights the growing vulnerability of seniors to sophisticated online financial scams. In the same police blotter, officers also dealt with other incidents including a divorce-related theft and stolen seafood from a local grocery store.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21 Logo

PRESENTED BY Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21

Remodeled family-friendly brick ranch

This newly remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick ranch home, listed at $325,000, is perfect for a growing family seeking charm and modern comfort. Featuring laminate flooring, a cozy living room with a brick fireplace, a spacious eat-in kitchen topped with granite counters, and a lovely 4-season sunroom leading to a private patio, this home also boasts a partially finished lower level, recent updates throughout, and a convenient location near KSU and downtown Kent.

Luxury lakefront retreat awaits you

This completely redesigned lakefront home is listed at $699,000 and boasts modern luxury combined with serene lakeside living. Featuring three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and stunning views of Twin Lakes, this home is perfect for entertaining, with large windows that bathe the space in natural light and private lake access for boating or fishing.

Remodeled ranch with modern amenities

Welcome to a beautifully remodeled ranch priced at $219,000, where modern comfort meets style. This home features an updated kitchen with brand-new appliances and stylish finishes, three spacious bedrooms with plush carpeting, and transformed bathrooms including a spa-like full bath. The property also includes a versatile outbuilding, a newly fenced backyard, and all major systems have been updated within the last year, making it perfect for immediate move-in.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎭 Jan. 17 - Murder Mystery Mayhem: Theater chaos takes center stage in this hilarious comedy about a community production gone wrong at Aurora Community Theatre. Catch "Play On!" January 17th at 115 E Pioneer Trail, Aurora.
🧘 Jan. 20 - Silent Retreat & Rest: Find inner peace at SHINE Ohio's Silent Escape, where a cozy bed awaits your day of mindful restoration. Enjoy gentle yoga, meditation, and poetry at this serene Kent retreat on January 20th.
🧩 Jan. 23 - Lake House Trivia Night: Test your knowledge and win big at Lake House Kitchen + Bar's weekly trivia night! Join fellow trivia buffs on January 23rd at 7508 OH-43 in Kent for an evening of friendly competition.
🎨 Jan. 23 - Cardinal Sip & Paint: Unleash your inner artist at West Main St Winery's Cardinal Sip and Paint night! For just $25, enjoy expert instruction and all supplies while creating your masterpiece on January 23rd in Ravenna.
🏀 Jan. 23 - Red Devils vs Cardinals: Catch the big rivalry matchup as Crestwood Red Devils take on Cardinal Local at Crestwood Central Offices! Join the community spirit on January 23rd at 10880 John Edward Dr, Mantua.
🥫 Jan. 25 - Monthly Community Food Pantry: Help stock local pantries and hearts at Loaves & Fishes' monthly food distribution. Stop by 263 S Prospect St in Ravenna on January 25th to access essential food and hygiene items for income-qualified households.
🌾 Jan. 25 - Winter Farmers' Market: Warm up your winter Saturday at Kent's beloved Haymaker Farmers' Market, now cozily housed in the UU Church's Hobbs Hall. Local vendors offer fresh goods and friendly faces from 10am to 1pm.
🎳 Jan. 26 - County Singles Bowling Tournament: Bowling enthusiasts, roll into action at Spins Bowl Kent for the Portage County USBC Handicap Singles tournament on January 26. Strike up some friendly competition at this local bowling showdown.

💰 Financial Friday

Farmers Bank Logo

TIPS PRESENTED BY Farmers Bank

Think about diversifying your investments to spread risk and improve potential returns; by not putting all your eggs in one basket, you can better navigate market fluctuations and safeguard your financial future.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Northbend Church Logo

PRESENTED BY Northbend Church

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

-Numbers 6:24-26

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