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Greetings:
My
updated newsletters have returned following some time
off for both personal and professional obligations that
have been keeping me quite busy. On the personal side
is my wedding to Kathleen last summer. Life is good,
and we are very happy and grateful for all your kind
thoughts, letters and cards.
On
the professional side is the never-ending battle to
keep the city's budget tight and flat as I remain committed
to keep the City of Parma's economy fiscally balanced
for the coming year.
In
my recent State of the City Address, I stressed the
need to decrease the cost of business for Parma when
it comes to healthcare and several other areas. The
bottom line is savings for the city that translates
into savings for our residents. The 2009 city budget
is approximately $45 million. Along with the cost-cutting
is good news relating to economic building blocks for
the future. That would include Parma's new VA Center
on Brookpark Road that will create nearly 300 new jobs.
Marc's has invested $7.5 million in acquiring and renovating
its new Commerce Center produce operation creating 150
new jobs. The 2000 Building in the Commerce Center will
be home for 200 new jobs being relocated to Parma. A
site on Hauserman Road will soon attract nearly 100
new health care related jobs. And finally, the new Giant
Eagle on Day Drive added 150 staff to its payroll. Overall,
we are holding our own.
I
am also keeping a close watch on developments at the
GM stamping plant in Parma while tracking any and all
opportunities offered by the Federal Stimulus Package.
That would include money for infrastructure projects
and obtaining "free" money to relieve homeowners feeling
the strain from our sagging economy. The good news:
Parma has attracted 56 new first-time home buyer families
leveraging nearly $7 million in Real Estate. We have
made available some $80,000 for home improvements and
repairs needed by seniors and lower income homeowners.
And
yes, there is always more work to be done. The goal
of any mayor is to stay ahead of the curve by applying
for and obtaining available funding from all levels
of government. As I say, I remain committed to not only
keep our community economically stable, but to take
advantage of opportunities that will make Parma a stronger
city in the years ahead.
Sincerely,
Dean DePiero
Mayor of Parma
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