Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Geauga County / May 15, 2025

🏢 Housing highs and lows

Geauga County • May 15, 2025

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Good morning, Geauga County. Even in disrepair, real estate commands attention. The troubled Shoregate Towers apartment complex—infamous for its collapsed garage and numerous code violations—heads to auction next month with a startling $2.5 million opening bid, demonstrating how even distressed properties maintain significant value in today's market. The upcoming sale marks another chapter for a property that has become a cautionary tale in local housing management.

Meanwhile, a renaissance is underway in Cleveland's North Shore Collinwood neighborhood, where modular housing is creating new pathways to homeownership. With Rebuild Cleveland and Habitat for Humanity planning dozens of factory-built homes throughout the area, the lakeside community is experiencing renewed vitality. And for veterans across Ohio, help may soon be more visible as bipartisan legislation advances that would require employers to display informational posters connecting former service members with crucial resources.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏢 Troubled apartment complex heads to auction with $2.5 million opening bid. Shoregate Towers in Willowick, Ohio will be auctioned in June after gaining notoriety for its collapsed garage and numerous property maintenance code violations. The apartment complex has become infamous locally for its deteriorating conditions and failure to meet building standards. Despite its problems, the property still commands a multi-million dollar starting price, highlighting the value of large residential complexes even in distressed conditions.

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🏠 Modular housing boom revitalizes Cleveland's North Shore Collinwood neighborhood. Two organizations, Rebuild Cleveland and Habitat for Humanity, are placing dozens of factory-built homes throughout the area, creating affordable homeownership opportunities. Rebuild Cleveland plans to build 64 homes (50 in North Shore Collinwood), while Habitat is developing a ten-home project near Grovewood Park with features like full basements and garages. The neighborhood is experiencing renewed interest due to its proximity to Lake Erie, parks, and amenities, with Councilman Mike Polensek championing these developments alongside other revitalization projects including new parks and street improvements.

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🇺🇸 Ohio lawmakers push to connect veterans with vital resources. State Rep. Lauren McNally has reintroduced bipartisan legislation requiring Ohio to create informational posters about veteran benefits for employers to display. The bill, co-sponsored by Republican Rep. Brian Lampton, would mandate the Department of Commerce and Department of Veterans Affairs create free posters listing programs for substance abuse, mental health treatment, tax benefits, legal services, and educational resources. A companion bill already passed unanimously in the state Senate with a 32-0 vote. McNally believes these posters could be "life-changing" for veterans struggling after service by increasing awareness of available assistance.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Country dollhouse with acreage: This enchanting $449,900 country retreat at 16140 Thompson Rd. features a dollhouse-like design, three fireplaces with original Craftsman mantles, and 2.25 acres of gardens, complete with a barn, greenhouse, and potential multi-generational living spaces.
Real estate listing image Spacious Burlington condo master suite: Priced at $339,000, this spacious free-standing condo in Burlington Green Community features a first-floor master suite, open living spaces, and charming outdoor amenities, all within close proximity to local attractions and Chardon Schools.
Real estate listing image Rural retreat needs renovations: For $1,685,000, this sprawling 100+ acre property in Geauga County offers a private paradise with two fishing ponds, a horse paddock, utility garage, and a 4,000 SF residence, though buildings need repair from recent storms.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏃 May 15 - Geauga Joggers Club: Join the Geauga Joggers & Walkers at Frohring Meadows on May 15! This free club welcomes adults of all abilities for a refreshing spring outing at 16780 Savage Rd in Chagrin Falls.
🔥 May 16 - Fire Safety Inspection Seminar: Learn crucial fire safety at the May Geauga Safety Council meeting! Join Fire Inspector Mike Vatty at Kent State Geauga Campus on May 16 as he covers inspection procedures and Ohio Fire Code violations.
👖 May 16 - Pants Fitting with Pamela: Perfect your pants fit with expert Pamela at Kathy's Creative Sewing in Chesterland on May 16! This exhilarating two-day seminar teaches specialized pattern fitting and fine garment skills for your best-fitting pants ever.
🚗 May 17 - Geauga Spring Tour: Explore hidden gems across Geauga County during the 21st Annual Spring Drive-It-Yourself Tour! Discover new places, score discounts, and collect treasures on May 17—visit 10+ stops for a special prize entry.
🎷 May 17 - Blue Fiasco Jazz Night: Jazz up your Friday night as Blue Fiasco brings smooth standards to Sharon James Cellars on May 17! Sip local wines while enjoying live jazz at this cozy Newbury Township venue on Kinsman Road.
💃 May 17 - Kids Dance Classes: Tiny dancers can twirl, tap, and hop their way through Saturday morning classes at Dance to Evolve! Various age-appropriate sessions for 2-7 year olds at Geauga Theater Community Arts Center on May 17.
🌯 May 18 - Guatemala Mission Fundraiser Breakfast: Fuel up for a cause at the Burrito Breakfast supporting MUMC's Guatemala Mission Trip! Join the community on May 18 at 7747 Mayfield Rd in Chesterland to help build homes and feed families.
🛥️ May 18 - Yacht Rock Brunch: Sail into smooth sounds at Mercury Music Lounge's Yacht Rock Brunch on May 18! Groove to soft rock classics while enjoying brunch vibes at this Lakewood hotspot on Detroit Avenue.

🙏 In Remembrance

Carol M. Stibich

Carol M. Stibich, 94, of Chardon, passed away on May 9, 2025, after a long life as a beauty salon owner and production inspector at Baily Controls. She and her husband Edward, who preceded her in death, were founding members of Shoregate United Methodist Church in Willowick. Carol is survived by her three children Allan, David, and Diane, as well as four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Private funeral services were held, and she was laid to rest beside her husband of 62 years in Chardon Township Cemetery.

Carol M. Stibich

Elizabeth Margaret "Liz" Danner

Elizabeth "Liz" Margaret Danner, 68, of Chardon, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2025, surrounded by family. A graduate of Youngstown State University, Liz married Mark Danner in 1981 and devoted herself to raising their three sons while maintaining an active presence in their schools and activities. She enjoyed outdoor pursuits, particularly gardening and golfing with the Women's League at Chardon Lakes, but found her greatest joy in family gatherings and time spent with her six grandchildren. Liz is survived by her husband Mark, three sons and their families, and her brother David, with a memorial service scheduled for May 23, 2025, at Burr Funeral Home.

Elizabeth Margaret Liz Danner

Billy Edward Bowles

Billy Edward Bowles, 88, of Chardon, Ohio, died peacefully on May 10, 2025, at UH Geauga Medical Center. Born in Cincinnati in 1937, he served his country, taught art in Mayfield Heights schools, and later became a real estate appraiser before returning to his artistic pursuits in retirement. Billy is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sally, as well as his three children and three grandchildren. His funeral service will be held on May 15, 2025, at Burr Funeral Home, followed by burial with military honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Billy Edward Bowles

Charles Ray Knotts

Charles Ray Knotts, 85, of Chardon, OH, passed away on May 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of hard work as a stationary engineer at various companies until his retirement at age 74. He was a talented wood carver who enjoyed camping, reading Stephen King novels, watching comedy, and sharing Cleveland sports moments with his family. Chuck is survived by his four sons, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and extended family, while he was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn, daughter Karen, and other family members. A memorial service will be held on June 8 at Burr Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of his life at The Lodge at Bass Lake.

Charles Ray Knotts
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