EDITOR’S NOTE: The Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce hosted officials from its communities on April 23 at La Vera Party Center in Willoughby Hills to discuss the “State of the Cities.” This is one in a series of articles detailing the speeches that were given. Related Articles Local News | Riverside High School students showcase creativity in Painesville Township snowplow project Local News | Decibells handbell ensemble presenting spring concert in Madison Township Local News | Mentor Public Library hosting nature journaling adventure Local News | Mentor Public Library to put on Teddy Bear Parade Local News | Willoughby Public Library hosts expert from My College Planning Team Financially, Willowick is in a healthy place as the city finished 2023 with a carryover of more than $3.6 million. Mayor Michael Vanni credits the city spending its dollars right and the increases the city saw in property taxes. “Since I’ve been on council since 2005, this is probably the biggest carryover we’ve had, so looking forward to keeping that going,” he said. Willowick has continued to make big infrastructure improvements. Last year, the city was able to secure roughly $1.2 million in grants for sewer projects on East 327th Street, East 288th Street and Fairway Boulevard, a joint project with Wickliffe, Vanni said. This year, the city is undergoing a large, sanitary sewer project on East 305th Street. “None of this could happen without the support from the Lake County commissioners, instrumental in funding us money,” Vanni said. “We also received more money from them this year, as well as the Lake County Planning and Community Development.” With more than $2 million from Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, Willowick is in a position where both of the main entries into the city are going to be redone in the next two years. Aside from Vine Street and East 305th Street being redone, the Vine Street Corridor project with Eastlake Mayor David Spotton and Willoughby Mayor Robert Fiala will get underway. “It started when I was in council with Mayor Rich Regovich (former Willowick mayor),” Vanni said. “Phase one will start in 2026. We’re looking to do all the street lights on Vine Street and getting that resurfaced. It’s going to spur businesses coming in, which we’ve been doing a good job of.” Willowick’s strip mall on Lakeshore Boulevard, now three or four years old, has only two units left. One of those units will be rented out by Zeppe’s Pizza. “We continue to build on the momentum that started four years ago, attracting new businesses in the city,” Vanni said. “Last year, we had Dollar Tree, Goodwill and Tesla built a charging station at Shoregate. We have a Chopsticks Cuisine coming in later this year.” One of Willowick’s local businesses grants from NOPEC is intended to establish an energy improvement district. “We’re hoping this gets opened up in the fall of this year,” Vanni said. Located at 321 E. 314th St., the Willowick Community/Senior Citizens Center saw many improvements. A new HVAC system has been installed and a new generator is planned thanks to a $145,000 grant. The city also received a $103,000 grant for an ADA curb replacement on Vine Street. “We celebrated our 50th anniversary at the senior center,” Vanni said. “Lake County Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels is out of our senior center. The thing about Willowick is people stay. There’s so many residents I know who’ve been here for 50 or 60 years. I’ve been here 37 years.” Willowick’s greatest asset remains Lake Erie, Vanni said. The city plans to upgrade the Lakefront Lodge park with Lake Metroparks. “We actually own the lot next door,” Vanni said. “There’s a vacant house that will be coming down in about two months. We’re looking at building some kind of boardwalk and maybe a shelter or pavilion. We do concerts, but we’ve got to upgrade it a little bit.” “Our recreation department is phenomenal,” Vanni added. “There’s so many well-attended events they put on. It is part of the whole community that makes Willowick a special place to live.”