“We’re looking for seven other lucky buyers,” said developer Andrew Brickman, at the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce luncheon last Friday.

“We believe in the community of Lakewood.”

The multi-million dollar development planned off of Sloane Avenue is set to break ground within the next 30 to 60 days, he added.

First, the three homes standing in the way will be demolished. 

This past fall, the developers of the $10-million-dollar project bought the three parcels of Sloane Avenue land for $800,000.

Brickman — along with his partners, Justin Campbell and Nate Barrett — closed on the property in November.

The first units are expected to be completed by next fall. 

Their humble ‘Abode’ …

Abode Modern Lifestyle Developers held a reception at Eleven River to preview its newest luxury community, Eco-townhomes of Lakewood Clifton Pointe. At the reception, Abode raffled off a rooftop cocktail party for 25 people in order to raise money for The Beck Center for the Arts. The raffle raised $1,200, and the lucky winner was Rocky River resident Greg Lichko. As part of its charitable giving program, Abode offers a match to any charitable contributions made by residents.

The entire state of Ohio will be hurt if we lose Cleveland as a hub. From numerous reliable sources, I have learned that United regards Cleveland Hopkins International Airport as redundant, and as such, it already is no longer needed as a hub. This begs the question as to why wasn't more political pressure exerted when the merger was announced and an antitrust argument could have been made to leverage the hub's remaining at Hopkins?

As the current city administration takes baby steps to try to raise other revenues to help offset the landing fees United is charged, we are moving daily toward the unthinkable loss of the hub. Dramatic action is needed before it is too late, and Cleveland becomes an airport with limited flight options or one served by a discount carrier. It is simple economics: Lower United's costs of using Cleveland as a hub to the level where United cannot say no. If this means cutting landing fees in half, then find a way for the region to help the city cover these costs -- perhaps with a sin tax or a special airport tax. In other words, if the current annual operating budget is approximately $100 million, make it so attractive financially that it does not make economic sense for United to close the hub.

No matter how enticing the attractions we have here, who will want to come to see them if they have to transfer two times on Southwest to get here? The medical mart. The casino. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The aquarium. The Flats. The Browns. The Cleveland Clinic. It has to be easy to get here as we compete both nationally and globally for the finite number of visitors.

Further, without a viable airport, it will become more difficult to attract and retain businesses and the best and brightest talents that come with them. We will drive talent and tourism away, not attract it.

If we lose our airport hub, then all other efforts in furthering this city's national standing will be futile. This initiative needs the combined efforts of all of our community leaders, including our state and national elected representatives. There must be an immediate proactive effort made to retain Cleveland's airport hub. How are we to "revitalize and rebrand" Cleveland if our airport -- the gateway into our city -- is third-rate?

Andrew Brickman, Cleveland