What's Happening in Westlake, OH…

The land belonging to Fairview Park's Coffinberry Elementary School, which has been closed for 10 years, is for sale, and area residents are asking the city council to consider using it for recreational purposes, rather than selling it to a developer.

A group of area residents is arguing that there is a lack of recreational space on Fairview Park's east side, and the school property would provide the best option for creating a safe area for children to play. They envisage trails and bike paths that would be available to people of all ages.

There are 7.8 acres up for sale, and the developer who is interested in acquiring them would build 16 houses on the property. The residents say they are not opposed to development, but that they would like the chance to explain why they would prefer the alternative.

Residents point out that the property has been vacant for 10 years, and wonder why the city will not allow time for further discussion. Brian McDonough, a city councilman who represents the district the Coffinberry school is in, also supports additional discussion. He would like the city to take the time to ask residents what they think Fairview Park should do to improve its recreational opportunities.

City officials could work with brochure printers to create a mailer that will ask residents about their desires for further parks or other recreational areas.