Follow the Money in the Corruption Probe

Channel 19 was following the money trail of J. Kevin Kelley [1], Bill Mason, and others involved in deals with the City of Parma. Channel 19 targeted the Campaign Finace report of J. Kevin Kelley over the years. It had pointed out expenses of over $4000.00 spent at Lockkeepers. I have also been told by friends in the media that both Frank Russo and Jimmy Dimora had frequented this establishment. I wonder if they expense this out also on Campaign Financing? Or perhaps could it be tax money fitting the bill? Millions of Cuyahoga County residents want to know?

Well perhaps is this the influence playing a part in the owner and landlord of a proposed new dining spot in Tremont [2]being able to start construction without attaining the proper change of use and expansion of use permit applications with the City of Cleveland?  All while Storefront Renovation signs are mounted on the constuction site showing its partners. (See picture below compliments of Jerleen Justus)

Which top officials at the City of Cleveland Building and Housing Department can explain why commercial construction can occur without permits in Tremont? But  inspectors outside of Ward 13 force compliance and do not look the other way, or get a phone call from some politico type.

327.02     Enforcement; Permits and Certificates of Occupancy

(a) This Zoning Code shall be enforced by the Division of Building and Division of Housing under the direction of the Commissioner of Building and the Commissioner of Housing.

(b) No building shall be erected, altered or enlarged until a permit for such erection, alteration or enlargement has been issued by the Commissioner of Building.

(c) There shall be no change or substitution in the use of any existing building or premises and no extension of any existing use, nor shall any premises be occupied for any new use, until a certificate of occupancy has been issued.

(d) Before any permit or certificate of occupancy is issued, the Commissioner of Building or the Commissioner of Housing shall examine or cause to be examined the application therefor, and any plans and plot plan accompanying such application, to ascertain whether the proposed work and use will conform to the provisions of this Zoning Code. No permit or certificate of occupancy shall be issued unless the proposed work and use conform to the provisions of this Zoning Code.

It was clear that yesterday the Plain Dealer reported two City of Cleveland Building and Housing inspectors [3]working in another part of Ward 13 took bribes, and are also tied to the County Corruption probe.

We all must ask just one question. WHY?

(Edit - I added the Community Guide that was supposed to be on the TWDC website in January, this document was approved by TWDC Ed/LRP)