Short Takes on the Westside, January 6: Abercrombie and Hollister coming back to Crocker

Avon

Hope never fails: Hear from Rachel Benda, director, Community of Jesus the Living Mercy, as she presents, “Hope That Never Fails” at 7 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Knights of Columbus, Father Ragan Hall, 1783 Moore Road.

RSVP by Jan. 12 to rudybreglia@gmail.com. Snacks and refreshments will be served.

New doggie salon, pilates studio: Ohio’s very first Sparkle Grooming Salon is coming to Avon next month in the Nagel Crossing retail space, 1485 Nagel Road. The locally owned, membership-style grooming and hygiene salon, will be open 7 days a week, with convenient pick and drop off.  

Join the founder's sale before it opens and save $120 your first year. For additional details, click here.

Also coming to Avon next month in the Drug Mart Plaza on Nagel Road is Studio ONE Pilates. Current locations are in Bay Village and Chagrin Falls.

One final bit of business news…The Hen 'N The Ivy, 36350 Detroit Road, floral and gift shop has been sold. The new owner plans to keep the name (with a small tweak to Hen 'N Ivy)  and the employees remain, but she will be adding her own touches to the shop which has been in Avon since 2004.

Avon Lake

Leaf collection: The weather outside has been frightful, but there are still leaves on the ground under all that snow. The last round of curbside leaf collection will begin this week starting on the east side of town, and moving west. Winter weather may impact the collection progress, but the round will be completed.

To stay up to date on the collection progress, click here.

New year, new name: Impressive Creations 4 U, 33382 Walker Road (Drug Mart plaza), has a new owner and new name. Welcome to The Crafted Corner. The store offers handcrafted items from more than 40 local vendors. Support local!

Officially terminated: After several months of internal investigations, Jeremy Betsa was officially released from his duties Dec. 31 as fire chief. He had been on paid administrative leave since August. The investigation stemmed from reports of a hostile work environment under his leadership.

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Bay Village

Interesting cover girl: Check out this month’s issue of Cleveland Magazine featuring the Most Interesting People in northeast Ohio. The cover model is Bay Village native Lili Reinhart. The Hollywood actress is highlighted for her adventurous new film roles, showcasing her acting range honed in local theater.

She rose to fame for her role as Betty Cooper on the CW's Riverdale. She has also appeared in the films “Hustlers” and “Chemical Hearts”.

Awareness program: The Bay Village Police Department's free Blue Envelope Program is designed to enhance communication between police officers and drivers with disabilities that might require additional accommodations or awareness during traffic stops, such as autism, dementia, physical disabilities, or mental health conditions, according to city officials.

The Blue Envelope contains the driver's important documents, including a copy of the driver’s license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and emergency contacts. Communication guidelines to assist both the driver and the police officer are written on the outside of the Blue Envelope.

Having important documents organized and prepared within the Blue Envelope will make traffic stops streamlined for all involved, reduce anxiety, and help police officers better understand and communicate with the driver.

Blue Envelope materials can be picked up in person at the following Bay Village locations: Police Department, City Hall, and the Senior Center.  

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North Ridgeville

Walk this way: Did you resolve to read more books this new year? Or, did you resolve to minimize or declutter? Reach both goals at once as the North Ridgeville Heart & Sole collaborative is hosting a book swap from Jan. 5-30.

Leave your books on the table after signing in, and browse other walkers’ books to take home. Any leftover books at the end of the month will be donated to the Friends of the North Ridgeville Branch Library.

To participate, enter the building’s main doors and sign in at the indoor walking table. There is no cost and all ages and abilities are welcome to attend. If the school or building is closed due to holiday closure or weather, indoor walking is canceled.

Indoor walking is available throughout this winter and spring at the following locations in North Ridgeville:

• LCCC University Partnership Ridge Campus, 32121 Lorain Road.
• Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Fridays, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
  
  • Indoor walking ends March 30

• North Ridgeville Academic Center, 34620 Bainbridge Road
• Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
  
  • Indoor walking ends April 30

Master plan: Planning doesn’t stop in the city even when a master plan is adopted. This month, the city is highlighting one of the Master Plan’s key priorities: A comprehensive audit and update of North Ridgeville’s existing residential zoning districts.

An ordinance adopted by City Council on Dec. 15, suspends the ability of developers to propose new cluster subdivisions by-right in the R-1 Residence District. The ordinance follows recommendations from the Ridgeville Ready Master Plan to update the city’s zoning rules and improve how new residential projects are reviewed.

A new zoning code is expected to be adopted in 2026. Once in place, it will give the Planning Commission and City Council more oversight of future residential developments to ensure quality growth. Existing neighborhoods and previously approved cluster developments are not affected, and single-family homes can still be built under R-1 standards, which maintain the traditional, larger lot sizes.

Community events survey: Creating new, local community events was identified as a priority by residents and the Master Plan Steering Committee as part of the city’s long-range planning process. These events are intended to bring people together, strengthen civic pride and create opportunities for neighbors of all ages and backgrounds to connect.

To help guide this effort, city officials are inviting residents to share input through a brief community events survey. Your feedback will help shape future events and ensure they reflect the interests, needs and social connections that matter most to our community.

Don’t complain about events in the city, please complete the survey and share your ideas.

O Christmas Tree: Republic Services will offer special Christmas tree collections on Jan. 6 and Jan. 13. Please place your tree at the curb by 6 a.m. on collection day.

Tax preparation: AARP is once again partnering with the Senior Center to offer complimentary tax preparation services for North Ridgeville older adults, provided by volunteer tax preparers.

The Senior Center will begin accepting appointment calls starting at 9 a.m. Jan. 6. Please note that voicemail messages left before 9 a.m. cannot be accepted and appointments are scheduled by phone only. Walk-ins will not be accommodated.

To schedule an appointment, call 440-490-2056.

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Rocky River

Road repairs: Plan an alternate route as West 210th Street south of Center Ridge Road is now closed to thru-traffic through from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday until March. The detours will be at Spencer and Wooster if you are trying to get to Fairview Park/I-480. Access to Westgate will only be at the Center Ridge and Linden roads entrances.

Detours are posted at the intersections of West 210th Street and Lorain Road, West 210th Street and Center Ridge Road, as well as adjoining streets. Police will conduct traffic enforcement on “cut-through” streets.

Class of 2039: The Rocky River City School District and Goldwood Primary School are hosting Kindergarten Information Night from 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 22 at Goldwood, 21600 Center Ridge Road.

The informative presentation is for parents/guardians only.

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Westlake

Stores coming back: It’s been over a decade since the Abercrombie & Fitch store closed in Crocker Park. Customers will be happy to learn the store is coming back. The city’s Planning Commission reviewed plans/drawings during its Jan. 5 meeting for the storefront and signage for the new tenant which will be located next to the former Arhaus space (175 Crocker Park Blvd.).

It appears Hollister Co. is also coming back to Crocker Park in the Arhaus space. Renderings for the Abercrombie & Fitch store signage show a Hollister Co. sign next door.

No word yet on when the stores will open. Stay tuned to Short Takes.

Condolences: Sad to hear John Hung recently passed away (Dec. 31). He and wife Jennie owned the popular Asian Wok restaurant from 1983 until 2023.  

He was a devoted supporter of Westlake High School, especially the baseball and basketball teams. His presence, generosity, and commitment to the community will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

Scholarship applications: The College Club West is currently accepting scholarship applications from female undergraduate students pursuing a four-year degree or a graduate degree.

Applications must be completed and submitted by March 16. Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 will be awarded to women who are 25-years-old and older,

and will be based on their financial needs, career goals, and academic records.  

More information and applications available online.