Rob Chudzinski will participate in Polish Constitution Day parade

PARMA, Ohio - New Cleveland Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski has agreed to be a special guest in Parma’s Polish Constitution Day parade on Sunday. The coach will march in the parade with Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter.

The 65th annual Polish Constitution Day Parade will commence on Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m.  The parade will start at Parma Circle on Ridge Road and continue north to Snow Road.  Following the parade, there will be an after-party behind Unity Catholic Credit Union on Ridge Road. Polish food will be provided by Zydeco Bistro, Umami Moto, StrEat Bistro, Nosh Bar and Little Polish Diner.

(read the press release ...)

Parma will receive inconvenience credit from Republic Services

PARMA, Ohio - The City of Parma will receive just over $73,000 by Republic Services as an inconvenience credit as a result of a recent work stoppage.

Mayor Tim DeGeeter and Service Director Brian Higgins were in constant contact with Republic Services during the work stoppage in Parma and asked about whether the City would receive compensation.

(read the press release ...)

Parma Residents Enjoy Safety Fair

PARMA, Ohio — Parma residents were treated to the gift of education on Saturday at the city’s annual Safety Fair.

The local fire department, police department and city council worked together to put on the event at the Parma Justice Center.

A flag-raising, grease fire education demonstration, tours of the police station and K-9 demonstrations were part of the program.

(read the article ...)

Exciting news at Stearns Homestead:
Historic farm to partner with Cleveland Crops

PARMA – Stearns Homestead is partnering with Cleveland Crops to create an urban farm on the 48-acre historic site in the heart of Parma – a move to further enhance the attraction as a destination.

Created by the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Board of DD), Cleveland Crops operates eight sites across the county and will grow fruits and vegetables on 17 acres at the homestead. The locally grown produce will be sold to restaurants and to farmers' markets, including Stearns'.

Cleveland Crops, part of the Board of DD's Solutions At Work program, will begin working at Stearns Homestead in May. On Wednesday, the Parma Planning Commission will consider approval of, among other things, a small pole barn and a small parking lot on the 17 acres at the homestead.

(read the press release ...)

Polish Constitution Day celebration May 3-5
Activities will culminate Sunday in Constitution Day parade on Ridge Road

PARMA, Ohio -- The Ohio Division of the Polish American Congress, in conjunction with the City of Parma, will hold its 65th annual Polish Constitution Day Parade on Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m.  The parade will start at Parma Circle on Ridge Road and continue north to Snow Road.  Following the parade, there will be an after-party behind Unity Catholic Credit Union on Ridge Road. Polish food will be provided by Zydeco Bistro, Umami Moto, StrEat Bistro, Nosh Bar and Little Polish Diner.

(read the press release ...)

Parma Safety Fair on April 27

PARMA, Ohio - Parma’s annual Safety Fair, a community event for Parma-area residents to learn valuable safety information, is scheduled for Saturday, April 27from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at the Parma Justice Center, 5555 Powers Blvd., with the cooperation of the Parma Fire Department, Parma Police Department, City of Parma and Parma City Council.

(read the press release ...)

Parma school principal will shave head in honor of pupil who died of cancer

PARMA -- On Feb. 3, Anthony Kashi, a 6th-grader at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Parma, passed away after a six-year fight against brain cancer. He was only 11.

This week, Anthony’s school principal, Eileen Updegrove, will have her head shaved in his memory, and to raise money for cancer research.

Updegrove is taking drastic action because cancer is an ongoing presence in her school. In addition to Anthony, three other St. Charles pupils have been battling the disease.

“My hair will grow back,” Updegrove said. “I’m fortunate I’m not losing my hair because of cancer.”

(read the article ...)

Mayor’s In event on March 27

PARMA, Ohio – Mayor Tim DeGeeter will be “in” on Wednesday, March 27 – hosting Parma residents in his office at City Hall from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

The event is part of the Mayor’s In, Mayor’s Out program in which DeGeeter hosts residents in City Hall every other month, and on alternate months, meets with residents at a public event in the city.

On March 27, Parma residents can sign up in the lobby of City Hall beginning at 4 p.m. Then, at 4:30, each resident will have five minutes to talk to the mayor one-on-one. Residents can bring concerns, comments or kudos to the mayor, and all are welcome.

(read the press release ...)

(read the Sun News article ...)

DeGeeter sets Economic Development meeting for March 21

PARMA, Ohio -- Mayor Tim DeGeeter begins a second year of Economic DevelopmentForums with a meeting on March 21.

The meeting will be hosted by Bryant & Stratton College, at 12955 Snow Road, from 5:30 – 7 p.m.  The meeting is intended to provide information for Parma’s business community and to allow for an interactive exchange between attendees, Mayor DeGeeter and his economic development team.

Mayor DeGeeter and Dave Nedrich, president of the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce, will provide opening remarks, and Parma’s Economic Development staff – Director Erik Tollerup and Economic Development Officer Shelley Cullins - will provide updates.

(read the press release ...)

(read the Sun News article ...)

Additional meetings scheduled to discuss trash pick-up

PARMA, Ohio - The city has added additional meetings in its continuing effort to inform residents about Parma's new automated trash collection program.

The city is embarking on the new program to increase recycling and save $800,000 on its trash collection -- a move that will allow Parma to remain one of the few surrounding communities not to charge residents additional fees for garbage pick-up.

(read the press release ...)

(read the Sun News article ...)

DeGeeter Delivers State Of The City Speech

Mayor Tim DeGeeter’s second State of the City address was much easier to deliver than his first.

Last year, DeGeeter and his staff were barely in the door when Macy’s announced it was pulling out of Parmatown. Sometime during the first six weeks in office, he remembered that, by city ordinance, he had to deliver the State of the City speech by the end of February. And on the morning of the speech, he learned the disturbing news about the school shooting that had taken place in nearby Chardon, shaking all of Northeast Ohio.

(read the article ...)

(watch the video ...)

City of Parma to pursue sister relationship with Lviv in Ukraine

PARMA -- The city and its Ukrainian Village hope to cultivate a “sister relationship” with the city of Lviv in Ukraine, Mayor Tim DeGeeter announced earlier tonight.

DeGeeter said that on Friday he sent a letter about the proposed relationship to Lviv's mayor.

DeGeeter said the move is another step toward building and strengthening a Ukrainian identity within Parma and Ukrainian Village.

(read the article ...)

Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter will give state-of-the-city address tonight

PARMA -- Mayor Tim DeGeeter will give his second state-of-the-city address at 7 p.m. today in Parma Community General Hospital, 7007 Powers Boulevard.

The speech will take place in the hospital's John A. Nelson Auditorium.

DeGeeter will review the first year of his administration and discuss goals for 2013. He will talk about creating jobs, strengthening the local economy and making government more efficient.

(read the article ...)

Valley Freightliner, Fifty Jobs Relocate to Parma

PARMA, Ohio -- Valley Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star Trucks has relocated operations to 10901 Brookpark Road in Parma, bringing 50 jobs - 49 of them full-time - with a payroll of just under $3 million.

Previously located in Brook Park, Valley Freightliner chose Parma after its previous dealership was destroyed by fire.

“We are very pleased to welcome Valley Freightliner here and to offer economic development tools to help them grow jobs in Parma,” said Mayor Tim DeGeeter. “We believe the owners will find Parma a great place to do business. The added bonus is that it will fill a two-year vacancy at the former Spitzer dealership site.”

In addition to the 50 new jobs, Valley Freightliner plans on adding 10 more positions over the next two years.

(read the press release ...)

(read the Parma Observer article ...)

Parma City Hall & Ries Rink go wireless for public access

PARMA, Ohio – The City of Parma has installed three wireless networks, two at City Hall and one at Ries Rink.

The city Wi-Fi has been put into three areas for public access. The first is on the first floor of City Hall, named Parma City Hall,and is for use in the main conference room for when meetings are being held to access to the Internet to share information for business. The public, while waiting in the lobby, will also be able to check electronic mail or update Internet schedules on the go.

The second area for the city Wi-Fi is located downstairs in the Council Chambers and is named Council Chambers.  This also can be used for the public to access the Internet, and during meetings, public Internet access is now available. 

The third area for the city Wi-Fi is located at Ries Ice Rink and the whole building can access the Internet using the Wi-Fi network named Ries Rink.Thisenables live streaming for high school games and also allows parents to communicate with their children using Internet applications to keep in touch.

(read the press release ...)

(read the Parma Observer article ...)

(read the Sun News article ...)

Parma State of the City speech set for Feb. 25

PARMA, Ohio -- Mayor Tim DeGeeter is scheduled to offer his second State of the City presentation on Feb. 25. Continuing the trend he started last year, he will showcase a community partner and deliver the speech at Parma Community General Hospital.

The presentation will be held at 7 p.m. in the hospital’s John A. Nelson Auditorium.

DeGeeter is looking forward to highlighting the many accomplishments during his administration’s first year in office. He will also look ahead to further goals of the administration. The speech will also serve as February’s “Mayor Out” event during which residents may speak to the Mayor before or after the speech.

(read the press release ...)

DeGeeter Reflects On Successful First Year

When Tim DeGeeter meets with Parma residents one-on-one during his “Mayor’s In” meetings – this month’s will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30, 2013  – he is reminded that, as mayor of the state’s seventh-largest city, a lot can be learned from staying connected with residents. Being accessible has been a priority during his first year in office; entering his second year, he is looking forward to continuing to reap the benefits of that enhanced communication.

“Staying connected with residents is so important,” DeGeeter says, “because, obviously, these are the people we serve. We want residents to understand that, working together, we really can do concrete things to move Parma forward.”

(read the article ...)

Tim DeGeeter of Parma joins Ohio Municipal League's Board of Trustees

Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Municipal League, a statewide association that serves the interests of municipal governments in Ohio.

DeGeeter will serve a two-year term on the 28-member board. Other board members include Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo.

The OML represents the interests of Ohio cities and villages before the Ohio General Assembly and state administration officials.

(read the article ...)

Closure of a Michigan plant means jobs are coming here -- Michigan's loss is Parma's gain.

(Parma) -- General Motors is closing down its Weld Tool Center in Grand Blanc, Michigan -- near Flint -- and is offering that plant's nearly 350 employees jobs in three other plants including the Parma Metal Center.

Parma mayor Tim DeGeeter tells WTAM 1100 he got the news in a phone call from the manager of the Parma Metal Center. DeGeeter was thrilled to get the news, saying "this is a continuation of additional investment in the plant. That shows the plant is strong."

GM is saying as many as 200 jobs from the Grand Blanc plant could be coming to Parma, but DeGeeter says he's been told the exact number will depend on how many workers decide to come to Parma as opposed to other GM facilities. A newsletter sent out by UAW Local 1005 says the plant will receive about two-thirds of the Michigan plant's tooling and workers.

(read the article ...)

Parma will prepare residents for automated-trash collection

PARMA -- Mayor Tim DeGeeter, toward the end of January, will mail to residents information regarding Parma’s new automated trash-collection program.

The packets will contain instruction sheets, which the city is still composing, with the program’s rules and regulations.

Also, the packets will provide dates and times of meetings where residents can learn about the automated-trash program.

In addition, Republic Services, which will handle the automated service for the city, will send postcards to elderly residents.

The postcards will contain information that will help seniors decide what size of trash cans they need for the automated program.

(read the article ...)

PARMA, Ohio - The Parma General Motors plant is expected to receive more employees, the city’s mayor, Tim DeGeeter, told NewsChannel5 on Thursday.

The Grand Blanc Weld Tool Center in Michigan will cease operations in July, sending more workers to northeast Ohio.

"The plant currently employs 323 hourly and 28 salaried employees," said GM spokesperson Tom Wickham.

(read the story ...)

Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter sends letters to Cox Cable and Raycom Media urging quick settlement to fee impasse

PARMA -- Mayor Tim DeGeeter, in letters dated Thursday, has urged both Cox Cable and Raycom Media Inc. to settle quickly their dispute over transmission fees.

The dispute has led to a blackout of WOIO-TV, which is a CBS affiliate, and WUAB-TV for about 65,000 Cox cable-TV customers in Greater Cleveland. Raycom owns both TV stations.

In his letter, DeGeeter said "a number" of Cox subscribers have called City Hall to complain about the dispute and the loss of WOIO and WUAB.

DeGeeter said he, like many Parma residents, receives cable-TV, Internet and phone-service from Cox.

(read the article ...)

Parma 2012 ice show called a huge success: Letter to the Editor

I very much enjoyed attending the Parma Parks & Recreation production of the 2012 Ice Show, “It’s a Country Christmas” last weekend. The show, under the direction of Figure Skating Director Melissa Lagania, showcased the remarkable talents each child has gained while participating in our Learn to Skate Program.

We are fortunate to have a hardworking, dedicated staff, which makes our yearly show a success. I would like to especially thank Recreation Director Mickey Vittardi, Assistant Recreation Director/Rink Manager Roberto Discenza, Chief Assistant Rink Manager Ron Dean and Figure Skating Director Melissa Lagania for all their hard work. Also, all of our assistant figure skating instructors and our entire staff of rink employees. The rink looks fantastic!

(read the letter ...)

Parma City Council approves contract for automated trash collection

PARMA City Council, at a special meeting late this afternoon, unanimously approved an ordinance that will bring automated collection of curbside trash and recyclable material to the city.

Mayor Tim DeGeeter praised the switch to automated trash collection. He said it will save the city money and increase recycling.

DeGeeter and Service Director Brian Higgins said automated trash collection is the wave of the future. Higgins said it is working well in 15 other local communities and DeGeeter said cities across the nation have moved to automated trash collection.

Council President Sean Brennan agreed. He said new trash cans that will come with the automated program will improve the city's appearance. He said the existing manual-trash system, with its mixture of garbage cans and bags, makes city streets "a mess."

(read the article ...)

Parma may move city department into vacant building in Ukrainian Village

PARMA - The city hopes to move its Department of Community Services and Economic Development— which now leases office space on Broadview Road — into a city-owned building.

Administration officials are considering at least two locations for the department but the leading contender is the vacant Boyko Building, 5945 State Road. The city bought the building earlier this year.

Mayor Tim DeGeeter said the move would be part of a larger plan to end the city’s practice of leasing office space for some departments.

For example, the city’s Recreation and Fire departments lease space in Parmatown Mall.

DeGeeter said the city would save money in the long run by moving these departments into city-owned buildings.

(read the article ...)

Parma shares in $100,000 grant to consolidate services

PARMA, Ohio –The City of Parma, in conjunction with five other Northeast Ohio counties and nonprofit broadband provider OneCommunity, has won a $100,000 grant from the State of Ohio’s Local Government Innovation Fund to help facilitate shared services among government entities.

The five other counties that will benefit from the grant are Stark, Cuyahoga, Erie, Medina and Trumbull.

(read the press release ...)

Media Advisory: Please note change in speakers for Mayor’s economic summit meeting

PARMA, Ohio - Mayor Tim DeGeeter has announced the date and time of the next economic summit meeting with members of the Parma business community. The meeting will be held on Dec. 13 in room nine of Parma Community General Hospital's Health Education Center at 7300 State Rd. The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. and go until approximately 7 p.m.

This meeting is part of a series of dialogues with local businesses. As promised during his campaign, the Mayor has been committed to interacting with the business community.

“The more we talk, the more we know about the needs of the businesses that make up Parma,” Mayor DeGeeter said. “Dialogue is an important step in a hopefully growing and expanding a healthy local economy.”

Representatives from the offices of U.S. Representatives Marcy Kaptur and Jim Renacci will speak at the meeting.

If you are a business owner or are interested in the local business community and would like to attend the summit, please RSVP to Shelley Cullins. Please contact her at 440-885-8860 or scullins@cityofparma-oh.gov.

Parma will tear down fire safety house and build new one

The city has scrapped plans to move its existing fire safety house to Parma Community General Hospital’s Health Education Center on State Road.

Instead, the city will build a new fire safety house at the HEC. That is what city administration officials told the Sun Post late last week.

Mayor Tim DeGeeter said the city will save about $30,000 by constructing a new house instead of moving the existing one. He said it would cost about $139,500 to move the building and about $110,000 to demolish it and rebuild.

(read the article ...)

Media Advisory:

Parma resident Steve Gall, recently elected to the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, will be sworn in on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Parma City Hall. The ceremony will be preceded by a reception beginning at 2 p.m. All are invited to the swearing in. Media coverage is invited and appreciated.

Medical Mart featured at new economic summit meeting

PARMA, Ohio - Mayor Tim DeGeeter has announced the date and time of the next economic summit meeting with members of the Parma business community. The meeting will be held on Dec. 13 in room nine of Parma Community General Hospital's Health Education Center at 7300 State Rd. The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. and go until approximately 7 p.m.

This meeting is part of a series of dialogues with local businesses. As promised during his campaign, the Mayor has been committed to interacting with the business community.

(read the press release ...)

Tim DeGeeter of Parma and Michael Byrne of Parma Heights help re-open Stumph Road

Parma -- Mayor Tim DeGeeter of Parma and Mayor Michael Byrne of Parma Heights -- along with Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald -- re-opened Stumph Road between Snow and Pearl roads earlier today.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Stumph between Huffman Road and Big Creek Parkway.

(read the article ...)

Parma Area Fine Arts Council thanks community supporters:
Letter to the Editor

On Oct. 13, the Parma Area Fine Arts Council celebrated its 50th anniversary by hosting an arts and crafts show and sale. Proceeds from the event benefit the PAFAC Arts Scholarship Program, awarded annually to a graduating student residing in Parma, Parma Heights or Seven Hills.

The board of directors would like to take this opportunity to thank all who attended and all the vendors involved in the show.

(read the article ...)

Stumph Road in Parma Heights will be officially re-opened today at 10 a.m.

PARMA HEIGHTS -- Today at 10 a.m., Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, Parma Heights Mayor Michael Byrne and Parma Mayor Timothy DeGeeter will officially re-open Stumph Road after several months of infrastructure improvements.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will highlight the more than $6.5million in upgrades and improvements made to Stumph Road from Snow Road to Pearl Road.

(read the article ...)

Tim DeGeeter will meet individually with Parma residents

PARMA- Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter will meet individually with residents to discuss their concerns from 4:30-6 p.m. Nov. 28 in City Hall, 6611 Ridge Road.

The meetings with residents will take place on a first-come, first-serve basis in DeGeeter’s office.

(read the article ...)

Parma will help promote small businesses with new website

PARMA- Many small businesses in Parma don’t have the time, expertise or resources to create their own websites.

Starting in February, the city will help these shops establish an Internet presence that it hopes will attract more people to the Parma business scene.

The city is crafting a website called Faces and Places. It will feature information and videos about small businesses throughout town.

(read the article ...)

New Parmatown owner tells Parma officials it will take three years to redevelop mall property

PARMA- It will take three years for Phillips Edison & Co. to redesign and rebuild Parmatown Mall.

That is what the firm, which bought Parmatown Oct. 16, told city officials, according to Mayor Tim DeGeeter.

“That tells me they are going to make a significant investment in Parma,” DeGeeter said. “We’re real excited because we think anything that would take three years to do, they’re not keeping the status quo.”

(read the article ...)

Parma voters pass police levy overwhelmingly

PARMA- In 2007, when Parma voters last approved a 2-mill police levy, the issue passed by a measly 325 votes.

That’s according to Dan Hoffman, who was police chief at the time.

Apparently, residents have gained a lot more confidence in their Police Department since then.

On Tuesday, Parma voters approved a renewal of that police levy by a count of 19,854 to 12,756.

(read the article ...)

Parma Experiencing Investment In Commerical And Industrial Sectors

Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter said the City is working with manufacturers and small businesses to expand and grow jobs in Parma. "Keeping and creating jobs is a top priority for my administration, and we're working hard with our manufacturers and small businesses to help spur economic growth in Parma,” he said. So far, efforts are successful.

(read the article ...)

Fortunes Changing For Parmatown Mall

Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter will never forget his first day working in his City Hall office. Through the windows just behind his desk he can see Parmatown Mall, and on this first day came the announcement that Macy's department store was closing. Ten months later, DeGeeter still looks out those windows, but now he sees real opportunity for growth.

(read the article ...)

Parma opens senior center to residents without power

The Donna Smallwood Activities Center, 7001 West Ridgewood Drive, is opening its doors to Parma residents who have lost power due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy.

(read the article ...)

Mayor offers Smallwood Center for those without power

PARMA, Ohio - As he did this summer as a respite from sweltering heat, Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter is offering the city’s senior center, the Donna Smallwood Activities Center, as a safe place for Parma residents who have been left with no electricity in the wake of the effects of Hurricane Sandy.

The center, located behind City Hall, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, is heated, and offers varied, on-going activities. The center is open to residents who need to use it for relief; however, meals and transportation are provided only to those who are 60 and older and registered for those services.

Questions about the Center will be answered at 440-885-8800.

(read the press release ...)

Trick-or-Treating re-scheduled for Parma, Parma Hts., Seven Hills

PARMA, Ohio -- Officials from Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills have announced that Halloween trick-or-treating has been re-scheduled for all three communities due to adverse weather conditions expected this week.

Trick-or-treating will take place on Sunday, Nov. 4 from 6-8 p.m. in all three communities.

“Obviously, safety of the children is paramount,” said Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter. “That’s our first priority. Also, Sunday is at the end of the weekend and more likely to be convenient for most people.”

(read the press release ...)

Parma offers payroll tax rebate to Ganley Hyundai

The city administration wants to enter into a five-year economic-development agreement with Ganley Hyundai, 7115 Brookpark Road.

Under the agreement, the city would rebate 15 percent of the car dealership’s payroll taxes for five years.

The city is offering the tax break because Ganley is rebuilding its dealership. City officials said Ganley will create 24 new jobs and add $1.2 million in payroll over the next three years.

Now, the company employs 33 and has $1.67 million in payroll, according to city officials.

(read the press release ...)

DeGeeter to hold third economic summit meeting

PARMA- Mayor Tim DeGeeter has announced the date and time of the third economic summit meeting with members of the Parma business community. The meeting will be held on Oct. 25 at the Polish Diner Banquet Hall at 5772 Ridge Road. The meeting will start at 5 p.m. and go until approximately 7 p.m.

(read the article ...)

City renews commitment to local manufacturer

PARMA, Ohio - Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter and OSG/Sterling Die Vice President Ed Segula  signed a new economic development agreement today, granting OSG/Sterling Die a 46% rebate on payroll taxes paid to the city for the next 12 years.

(read the press release ...)

Parma hosts 'Mayors for Obama' bus tour, vote initiative

PARMA -- The mayors of Philadelphia, Massillon and Akron joined Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter in a "Mayors for Obama" bus tour today at the Parma headquarters for the Obama for America-Ohio campaign.

(read the press release ...)

DeGeeter to hold third economic summit meeting

PARMA, Ohio - Mayor Tim DeGeeter has announced the date and time of the third economic summit meeting with members of the Parma business community. The meeting will be held on Oct. 25 at the Polish Diner Banquet Hall at 5772 Ridge Road. The meeting will start at 5 p.m. and go until approximately 7 p.m.

This meeting is the third in a series of dialogues with local businesses. As he said during his campaign, the Mayor has been committed to interacting with the business community, and the first two economic summit meetings have yielded healthy discussion.

(read the press release ...)

Tri-C in Parma prepares soccer fields for Bill Clinton-Bruce Springsteen campaign event later today

PARMA Democratic city officials received a double injection of excitement last week upon learning that former President Bill Clinton and Bruce Springsteen were scheduled to visit Parma later today.

Clinton and Springsteen will appear together at Cuyahoga Community College in support of President Barack Obama’s re-election bid.

(read the press release ...)

Parma Mayor talks about sale of Parmatown Mall

PARMA, OH (WOIO)- Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter responds to Phillips Edison Strategic Investment Fund II LLC  purchasing Parmatown Mall. The 1.18 million-square-foot, mixed-use complex is located on 83 acres, at the corner of Ridgewood Road and Ridge Road.

"Every day, the first thing I see when I look out my office window, I see Parmatown Mall," DeGeeter said. "Until a deal was reached, I saw an area that was a source of uncertainty for the city. Now, it's a view that brings with it a new vision of hope and energy. We have a partner to help revitalize this area."

(read the press release ...)

Fortunes changing for Parmatown Mall
Mayor DeGeeter says sale brings new vision, energy for the area

Ten months ago, on just his first day working in the office since his election, Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter heard the news.

Macy's department store would be closing, hurting an already-struggling Parmatown Mall that was in receivership.

Today, the contrast couldn't be greater. 

Phillips Edison & Co., a retail real estate company based in Cincinnati and Utah, acquired the mall and the Macy's property and finalized the deal Tuesday.

(read the press release ...)

CINCINNATI, OH. October 16, 2012 – Phillips Edison Strategic Investment Fund II LLC has purchased Parmatown Mall, one of Northeast Ohio’s largest retail properties. The 1.18 million-square-foot, mixed-use complex is located on 83 acres in Parma, Ohio, approximately eight miles southwest of downtown Cleveland.

(read the press release ...)

PARMA, Ohio -- On Monday, Parma City Council voted unanimously to pass a resolution encouraging the renewal of the 2-mill Parma Police levy – Issue 78 on November’s ballot. The renewal is necessary to approach full staffing levels, acquire new equipment, take advantage of up-to-date training, and continue support for programs such as the annual Safety Fair, Honor Guard, Citizens Police Academy and the K-9 unit. Every Council member co-sponsored the resolution.

(read the press release ...)

PARMA, Ohio - Mayesh Wholesale Florist, Inc. has purchased the vacant Great Lakes Tool facility at 12631 Plaza Drive, bringing 12 jobs to Parma, along with the expectation of expansion and new hiring. This purchase marks the third and final purchase of previously vacant manufacturing space on Plaza Drive over the last two years.  OSG/Sterling Die purchased and renovated the former Earnest Products building at 12502 Plaza and Absolute Haitian purchased and renovated the former Clamco building at 12900 Plaza.

Said Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter: “We are thrilled with Mayesh’s investment.  Each of these purchases demonstrates a long-term commitment that we will do all in our power to foster and build upon.”

(read the press release ...)

PARMA, Ohio -- Mayor Tim DeGeeter announced the city is making progress on a plan to save the Fire Safety House and the adjacent Burn Room -- a development that reiterates the administration's commitment to fire safety education for area school children.

After months of reviewing potential locations in the city, DeGeeter said the goal is to relocate the small bungalow to the campus of the Health Education Center, a Parma Community General Hospital property on State Road.

However, before that prospective move takes place, the Fire Safety House (FSH) and Burn Room will be moved temporarily to a parking lot close to Medical Arts Center 4 near the main hospital campus – a move that is necessary so that the current location of the house on Powers Blvd. can be purposed for part of a multi-million project for a new Cuyahoga County Public Library.

(read the press release ...)

PARMA, Ohio -- President Barack Obama's speech in Parma on Thursday night capped the first day of a two-day push through the battleground of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

(read the Plain Dealer article ...)

PARMA, Ohio -- Parma and Seven Hills residents can significantly expand their recreation options at affordable prices, thanks to the two communities approving an agreement to share recreational facilities. Seven Hills approved the agreement on Tuesday, May 29; Parma City Council followed suit on Monday night.

(read the press release ...)

PARMA, Ohio – Mayor Tim DeGeeter has announced the date and time of the second in a series of dialogues with local businesses. He will speak with small business owners in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood on Thursday, May 24 at Shynok Party Center, 5840 State Road, from 5-6:30 p.m.

(read the press release ...)

PARMA, Ohio -- The City of Parma and Holy Name High School have agreed on a 10-year contract that makes the Michael Ries Rink, located at5000 Forestwood Drive,the home rink for Holy Name’s varsity and junior varsity hockey teams. The agreement will run for 10 hockey seasons through March 1, 2022.

(read the press release ...)

One resident said he feels like he’s making a direct difference in his city.

Another cited Mayor Tim DeGeeter’s pro-active approach in asking residents to speak to him directly about their issues.

A third added that he feels “really listened to” and that his concerns were given sincere attention.

(read the Observer article ...)

PARMA, Ohio – Mayor Tim DeGeeter, citing a desire to bring residents closer to City Hall, will begin a program of “office hours” this month. DeGeeter first announced the program, called “Mayor’s In, Mayor’s Out,” in his State of the City speech in February.

(read the press release ...)

PARMA, Ohio -- Mayor Tim DeGeeter will deliver his first State of the City address on the campus of one of Parma’s most successful businesses. GrafTech International will host DeGeeter’s address on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at its headquarters at 12900 Snow Road. The event will be held in the auditorium.

(read the press release ...)

PARMA, Ohio -- Statistics released last week by the Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services indicate that Parma’s unemployment rate for December 2011 fell to 6.7%, the lowest it’s been since the Great Recession began in late 2008.

(read the 19 Action News article ...)

PARMA The closing of Macy’s in Parmatown Mall — announced last week and scheduled for early spring — may encourage a company to buy and-or redevelop the struggling mall.

(read the Sun News article ...)

CITY OF PARMA — Tim DeGeeter is the 14th mayor to serve the City of Parma. He and his wife Pam made Parma their hometown because they believe in the city, its hard-working people and its future.

(read the Mayors & Citys article ...)

PARMA, Ohio - A new chapter of leadership has begun at Parma City Hall as Tim DeGeeter has taken over as mayor of Ohio's seventh largest city.

(read the article ...)

PARMA, Ohio - Parmatown Mall looks to refocus on serving the neighborhood, after the announcement that Macy's is closing.

"Parmatown has been on the list for some time," David Browning, the court appointed receiver for the mall, said.

(read the article ...)

PARMA, Ohio -- Macy’s announced today that it will be closing its Parmatown Mall doors. Although sad, this announcement was not completely unexpected.

Macy’s has closed several Ohio stores almost yearly since 2005 in response to an ever-competitive retail market and a worsening national economy.

PARMA – Parma Mayor-elect Tim DeGeeter today announced his incoming administration as he prepares for the beginning of his mayoral term. DeGeeter is currently serving as the area’s state representative and will leave office at the end of the year to start in his new role.

Parma Mayor-elect Tim DeGeeter continued preparation for his new job by attending two events specifically designed to help new mayors transition into office. DeGeeter, who has served for eight years as State Representative for the 15th District, which includes Parma, will be sworn in as Mayor on Jan. 2.

On November 26, 2011, mayor-elect Tim DeGeeter honored my request to meet for an interview at the Blue Line Bar& Grill in Parma. One of the first things that he said which struck me as very poignant was that " Mayor Depiero has paved a nice road for the city; our goal is to put in sidewalks". What follows is the interview, with the questions asked, and his direct response to them.

Tim DeGeeter had a spring in his step when he emerged from the voting booth at Parma Evangelical Lutheran Church on Tuesday. That’s because DeGeeter had just voted for himself in the Parma mayoral election. It was the only vote he needed. He was running unopposed.

“Since I didn’t have opposition, I was able to prepare for my transition from the legislative branch to the executive branch,” DeGeeter said.

DeGeeter has represented the 15th District in the Ohio House of Representatives since 2003. He has never held an executive-branch seat but said he is ready for the mayor’s job.

The hospital opened its doors on August 2, 1961. A black-tie gala at Embassy Suites Rockside Road in Independence celebrated the history and tradition of service the hospital continues to provide to residents of Parma, Parma Heights, Seven Hills, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights and North Royalton, as the only remaining independent hospital in Cuyahoga County.

Motorists passing the Henninger House on Broadview Road in Parma, just north of Snow Road, will soon see workers making repairs to the 162-year-old structure.

State Representative Tim DeGeeter has secured a $19,500 Certified Local Government grant through the Ohio Historic Preservation Office for the West Creek Preservation Committee, which co-manages the house along with the City of Parma.

June 16, 2011
Join Us June 27th!

(Printable Copy)

Join Tim DeGeeter, Candidate for Parma Mayor, at a General Election Kick-off Fundraiser.
 
Monday, June 27, 2011
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Johnny Malloy’s
7729 W. Ridgewood Dr., Parma
(at Parmatown Mall)

(details ...)

We endorse Tim DeGeeter in the May 3 Democratic primary mayoral race.
(read the article ...)

April 14, 2011
Press Release

North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor endorses Tim DeGeeter
The already impressive list of labor support for Tim DeGeeter's bid for Parma mayor has added another line. On Wednesday night, the North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor voted unanimously to endorse Tim. (read the press release...)

April 11, 2011
OPBA Endorsement
Letter

Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association Endorses Timothy DeGeeter for Parma Mayor
The Executive Board of the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association has informed State Representative Tim DeGeeter of their endorsement of him for Parma Mayor today. (read the letter ...)

April 11, 2011
BLET Press Release

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Endorse Timothy DeGeeter for Parma Mayor
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) a subsidiary of the international Brotherhood of Teamsters extended State Representative Tim DeGeeter their endorsement for Parma Mayor today. (read the press release...)

Ted Strickland endorses Tim DeGeeter
PARMA – Former Governor Ted Strickland has added his voice to an impressive display of support for State Rep. Tim DeGeeter as he continues his bid to become Mayor of Parma.

(read the press release...)
 

March 30, 2011
Press Release

Rep. DeGeeter Votes No on Bill to Gut Collective Bargaining Rights
COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives this afternoon voted to approve Senate Bill 5, legislation which would take away the rights of middle class workers by virtually eliminating collective bargaining. State Representative Timothy J. DeGeeter (D-Parma) voted against the bill, and issued the following statement:

March 29, 2011
Press Release

Endorsements continue for DeGeeter
Already carrying the official endorsement of the Parma Democratic Party and the high praise of city leaders, Tim DeGeeter has added the official support of Workers United Local 168-C, which represents the workers of Hugo Boss. (read the press release...)

March 24, 2011
Sun News Article

Middleburg Heights salutes the city's dedicated volunteers
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS The volunteers honored March 19 during the annual Salute to the City all have one thing in common— dedication. (read the article ...)

March 11, 2011
News Article

Pointing to his long history of supporting organized labor and setting high standards for construction in the State of Ohio, the Building & Construction Trades Council last week joined 16 other local unions and labor central bodies in backing Tim DeGeeter in his bid to succeed Dean DePiero as Mayor of Parma. (read the article ...)

March 08, 2011
Sun News Article

Tim DeGeeter touts political experience and endorsements as he runs for Parma mayor

PARMA From a distance, it appears that Tim DeGeeter is living in Mayor Dean DePiero’s political shadow. (read the article ...)

March 2, 2011
Press Release

Endorsements roll in for DeGeeter - Already carrying the official endorsement of the Parma Democratic Party, Tim DeGeeter has gained several more in his bid to become Parma’s next mayor, earning high praise from several city leaders. (read the press release...)

February 25, 2011
Press Release

Tim DeGeeter took another step forward in his bid to become Parma’s next mayor when he secured the endorsement of the Parma Democratic Party on Thursday.  DeGeeter will face three other candidates in the Democratic primary on May 3. (read the press release...)

DeGeeter For Mayor Campaign Headquarters Kickoff
Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 5877 Broadview Road (at Dawnwood Dr.)
Come meet Tim, learn about our campaign. Meet campaign volunteers and learn how you can get involved.
Pizza and refreshments will be served. Kids and families welcome.

Please join us for our Campaign Kickoff!
Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011
Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: Johnny Malloy's, 7729 West Ridgewood Drive, Parma
(See the flyer ...)

State Rep. Timothy J. DeGeeter (D-Parma) has filed official paperwork to begin his bid for Parma mayor. Rep. DeGeeter, along with his wife, Pam, and their two-year-old son, Jack, presented the required petitions Monday at the Board of Elections. (read more ...)

January 27, 2011
 

State Representative Tim DeGeeter tells Channel 3's Tom Beres that he is declaring he's running for mayor. (read more at WKYC.com ...)

January 27, 2011
Press Release

State Rep. Timothy J. DeGeeter (D-Parma) has announced his bid for Parma mayor. “I’m running for mayor because I believe in Parma and its future and also because I have the record, experience, and ideas to move our city forward,” DeGeeter said today. (read more ...)

Rep. DeGeeter named dean of the Ohio House Democratic Caucus.
(Read the Sun News story ...)