ANNUAL REPORT
Our mission
Slavic Village Development works with and for its residents, businesses, and institutions to promote civic engagement, community empowerment, and neighborhood investment.
LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends and Supporters,
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I write to you as the newly appointed Executive Director of this incredible organization. I am deeply honored to step into this role, and eager to build upon the strong foundation laid by Christopher Alvarado.
As we reflect on another year of growth, and transformation, we are excited to share our latest chapter in Slavic Village. At Slavic Village Development (SVD), our mission has always been to empower and uplift our community through innovative programming, engaged partnerships, and public facing initiatives. This past year, despite the challenges we’ve all faced, has been a testament to the resilience of our neighborhoods, the commitment of our staff, and the unwavering support of our partners. Together, we’ve made meaningful strides in creating lasting change and
fostering a sense of hope and opportunity for all.
As you read in this report, we’ve made significant progress in key areas: supporting local businesses, creating sustainable public spaces, and engaging with residents to create community-driven solutions. But there is still much work to be done.
Looking ahead, I am committed to strengthening our relationships, fostering innovation, and expanding our impact. With your continued partnership, we will continue to empower individuals, build stronger communities, and inspire positive change for years to come. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to our mission. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Warm regards,
Shauna Player Sanders, Executive Director
Slavic Village Development
HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
A Lifelong Resident’s Journey: Debbie Daniels’ Story of Resilience and Community Spirit
Debbie Daniels has been a proud resident of the Slavic Village neighborhood for over 40 years, born and raised in Slavic Village. Despite challenges, she remains deeply connected to her community.
Debbie recently faced several home repair needs. Her bathroom pipes were freezing, making bathing difficult, especially for her bedridden 83-year-old mother, whose health is declining. Thanks to Pam Shelley, Housing Outreach Associate, Debbie was added to a repair list and received a new tub enclosure, improving accessibility and safety.
In addition, Debbie’s roof, which had been leaking over her laundry room, was replaced just in time for the cold weather. She also received new gutters at no cost. A local siding expert assessed minor wind damage and generously provided replacement shingles to fix the issue.
Pam’s support has greatly improved Debbie’s quality of life, including arranging a wheelchair ramp for her mother. Debbie describes Pam as someone who always asks how she can help, making a meaningful impact on her home’s safety and comfort.
Beyond her home, Debbie gives back by participating in a small collective called the “Village Gardeners.” This group of five neighbors meets weekly to clean and beautify the area around 55th and Fleet Avenue. Even while working part-time and caring for her mother 24/7, Debbie remains committed to her community.
Her story is a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the power of neighbors helping neighbors in Slavic Village.
SUSTAINABILITY
EcoDistrict Team Champions Sustainable Development in Slavic Village
Over the past year, the EcoDistrict Team has gathered six times to guide transformative projects for Cleveland’s Slavic Village, working with key players like Cleveland Metroparks, Fullerton Development, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA), the City Planning Commission, and Cleveland Moves. Their collective efforts have yielded exciting developments that will shape the neighborhood’s future.
One of the standout projects is Cleveland Metroparks’ $19.5 million initiative to expand local trail connections. This project, which includes the Slavic Village Downtown Connector and the Morgana Run Extension, will link existing trails from Orange Avenue to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath. The EcoDistrict Team has remained deeply engaged in this project, regularly meeting with Metroparks to offer feedback and connect them with local residents.
In partnership with the Cleveland Planning Commission and with support from the Thriving Communities grant, the EcoDistrict Team also played a crucial role in a ground truthing project that tests “15-Minute City” concepts as a precursor to Transit-Oriented
Development (TOD) and comprehensive master planning.
With new funding from the Mandel Foundation (through the Community Development Corporation Leadership Program) and The Cleveland Foundation, plans are set to launch in January 2025 for a Slavic Village neighborhood master plan, alongside a strategic plan for the EcoDistrict and community engagement initiatives.
Another key development has been Cleveland Moves’ E. 55th Safety Action Plan, targeting enhanced safety along the corridor from North Marginal Road to Dolloff Road. Cleveland Moves joined Rooms To Let: CLE in 2024 to present rapid safety interventions for the E. 55th corridor and gather community feedback on ways to make the area safer for everyone.
Looking ahead, the EcoDistrict Team will continue meeting into 2025 to drive forward the Broadway TOD Plan, neighborhood master planning, and their EcoDistrict recertification efforts for the community. These ongoing initiatives are paving the way for a safer, more accessible, and sustainably connected Slavic Village.
Slavic Village Drives Environmental Initiatives in 2024
As climate challenges like flooding, drought, air quality issues, and extreme heat increasingly impact the region, Slavic Village Development (SVD) has taken bold steps to protect and enhance the neighborhood’s environment through a series of innovative projects in 2024.
Partnering with Bartlett Tree Experts, Holden Forest & Gardens, and the Slavic Village Green Team, SVD planted 77 trees across residential areas. This initiative, funded by the Cleveland Tree Coalition, the Healthy Urban Tree Canopy grant, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, is part of a broader effort to restore the neighborhood’s tree canopy. With Bartlett’s expertise, SVD also maintained right-of-way trees according to their comprehensive tree care plan from 2021 and 2023.
In collaboration with Trust for Public Land, Ohio State University, and the Cleveland Land Bank, SVD launched Cleveland’s first phytostability project. Using a special soil amendment and poplar trees, this pilot project aims to remove toxic metals, such as lead, from the soil—an innovative approach to tackling urban soil contamination.
The team is also working to create a food forest alongside Regent Community Garden and Right Focused, enhancing green space and connecting it to Regent Park. Additionally, five local parks – Arch Park, Mural Park, Marie Kittredge Park, Dan Kane Park, and Worley Park – were showcased in this year’s GardenWalk Cleveland, highlighting Slavic Village’s growing network of community green spaces.
SVD coordinated numerous garden workdays with volunteers from organizations including the Notre Dame Club, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Court Community Service. Additionally, SVD supported block club cleanups on E. 63rd, Forest City, and Fullerton, and led the Ward 5 Community Cleanup in North Broadway and Hyacinth.
A transformative $129 million EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant was awarded to Cuyahoga County, Cleveland, and Painesville for solar development, targeting seven landfills, including Harvard Refuse. SVD is actively working to ensure this project improves residents’ quality of life in Broadway Slavic Village.
In partnership with Baldwin Wallace University, SVD hosted an air quality series for 60 residents to share findings from a local air quality project, offering a $50 gift card to each attendee as a thank-you for participating.
Adding to these sustainability efforts, SVD is now an official site for Cleveland’s new composting program with Rust Belt Riders. Residents receiving SNAP benefits can enroll at no cost for two years, further underscoring SVD’s commitment to community-centered environmental solutions.
Historic Federal Grant to Transform Connectivity in Slavic Village
In June 2024, Cleveland Metroparks was awarded a $19.5 million federal grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE program — the largest in the Park District’s history. This funding will fully support two transformative trail projects: the Slavic Village Downtown Connector North and the Morgana Run Extension.
These projects will create vital connections for Slavic Village residents, linking Downtown Cleveland to neighborhood corridors like Broadway Avenue and extending the Morgana Run Trail to Mill Creek Falls and the Towpath Trail. Together, these trails will provide better access to jobs, education, and recreation while addressing transportation challenges in underserved areas.
This initiative reflects a strong collaboration among Cleveland Metroparks, Slavic Village Development, the City of Cleveland, and other regional partners. Construction is set to begin in 2026, bringing the vision of the Cuyahoga Greenways Plan closer to reality and creating lasting benefits for the community.
HOUSING SERVICES/DEVELOPMENT
Housing Outreach Department Invests Over $170K to Strengthen Slavic Village Communities
The Housing Outreach Department has dedicated $170,149.78 this past year to essential home repair initiatives across Cleveland’s Broadway–Slavic Village, directly supporting the residents of Wards 2, 5, 6, and 12. This investment aims to enhance housing safety, comfort, and stability, marking a crucial step in revitalizing these communities and supporting homeowners’ ability to maintain and improve their properties.
Through this initiative, the department works to empower residents by addressing critical housing needs, providing necessary repairs, and fostering pride in ownership and community resilience. This effort goes beyond structural repairs, tackling key questions around homeownership and tenant rights. Residents were provided with resources to address issues such as a landlord’s failure to make repairs and guidance on learning basic home maintenance skills.
Slavic Village Development’s Housing Team has taken an active role in promoting resident empowerment and self-sufficiency, connecting residents with expert resources like the Home Repair Resource Center for DIY guidance. They partnered with the Legal Aid Society to provide workshops on legal rights and protections for homeowners. For elderly residents or those with mobility limitations, the team has secured funding from the Western Reserve Agency on Aging to offer targeted assistance, including bathroom repairs to support aging in place.
Strengthening Housing Stability and Community Safety in Slavic Village
Housing stability is essential for the quality of life and safety of residents in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood. Over the past year, the Housing Development Department has taken significant steps to enhance home renovation programs, namely Slavic Village Rediscovered (SVR) and Neighbors Invest in Broadway (NIB), which are tailored to support homebuyers — especially those with low-to-moderate incomes. These programs have been instrumental in restoring vacant and distressed properties to livable, safe conditions that families can now call home.
Beyond residential revitalization, the department has ramped up efforts to address code violations on vacant properties and has advocated for the demolition of several long-neglected homes. These actions not only reduce neighborhood blight but also curb nuisance activities, ultimately contributing to increased property values and a more stable community.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Lights On: Illuminating Slavic Village
Former Slavic Village Business Development Associate, Greta Thomas spearheaded the “Lights On” project, a transformative initiative highlighting four high-quality retail spaces along Fleet Avenue, part of the neighborhood’s complete green street development.
The featured properties are located at:
• 5222 Fleet Avenue • 5001 Fleet Avenue
• 5606 Fleet Avenue • 6301 Fleet Avenue
This project not only showcases the revitalization of Fleet Avenue but also emphasizes the potential for sustainable growth and vibrant community spaces in Slavic Village.
The “Lights On” project was made possible thanks to the generous support of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and SCORE Cleveland. Their contributions helped showcase Fleet Avenue’s revitalization and potential for growth, enhancing opportunities for local businesses and fostering community engagement.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Reconnecting Spaces: Former South High Gym Opens New Doors for Slavic Village Recreation
After nearly 14 years, the former South High School Gymnasium — now repurposed as the Public Safety Training Center — has been reconnected to the Stella Walsh Recreation Center, providing new possibilities for community engagement and activity. Thanks to funding support from Councilwoman Rebecca Maurer (Ward 12) with additional contributions each from Councilman Richard Starr (Ward 5) and Council President Blaine Griffin (Ward 6) for white boxing of the weight room. Slavic Village residents can now enjoy expanded programming options in this newly accessible space. Exciting updates are on the way, with pickleball courts scheduled to open in winter 2025, adding to the area’s growing recreational amenities.
Empowering Community Initiatives: Friends of Slavic Village Mini Grants and Neighbor Up Grants Fuel Local Projects
Slavic Village Development (SVD) is making strides in supporting community-driven initiatives through small grant programs. The Friends of SV Mini Grants have continued to grow, providing critical support for resident-led efforts. This year, 12 grants totaling $6,000 were awarded to local groups, funding a variety of impactful projects. From Fall Festivals to the Regent Community Garden, a Summer Reading Program, and numerous clean-up initiatives, these grants have enabled residents to bring their ideas to life and enhance neighborhood vitality.
In addition to the mini grants, SVD oversees funding for community groups through the Neighbor Up Grants program, facilitating five grants this year that totaled over $13,800. This program supports a range of projects, empowering local groups to address issues directly impacting their neighborhoods.
SVD remains dedicated to addressing environmental justice concerns as well, particularly air quality, quality of life improvements, and ongoing issues related to Harvard Refuse. Community members’ voices remain a priority, with SVD hosting numerous meetings to discuss new businesses, initiatives, and local organizations. Through these efforts, Slavic Village Development continues to provide platforms and resources for residents to shape their community.
Strengthening Community Ties: Slavic Village Development Supports Local Block Clubs
Slavic Village Development (SVD) is committed to fostering strong neighborhood connections by actively supporting local block clubs. These clubs play a crucial role in uniting residents, creating safer streets, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the community. Through ongoing collaboration, SVD provides resources, guidance, and organizational support to empower block clubs in their efforts.
By partnering closely with these groups, SVD helps residents address local issues, organize events, and advocate for improvements that matter most to their neighborhoods. This collaborative approach reinforces community bonds, encourages civic engagement, and ensures that residents have a voice in shaping the future of Slavic Village.
Strengthening Community Ties: Slavic Village Development Supports Local Block Clubs
Slavic Village Development (SVD) is committed to fostering strong neighborhood connections by actively supporting local block clubs. These clubs play a crucial role in uniting residents, creating safer streets, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the community. Through ongoing collaboration, SVD provides resources, guidance, and organizational support to empower block clubs in their efforts.
By partnering closely with these groups, SVD helps residents address local issues, organize events, and advocate for improvements that matter most to their neighborhoods. This collaborative approach reinforces community bonds, encourages civic engagement, and ensures that residents have a voice in shaping the future of Slavic Village.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Community Gathers for House Next Door Premiere
On June 7, 2024, nearly 200 people gathered at Elizabeth Baptist Church for the premiere of House Next Door, a powerful documentary capturing the impact of the foreclosure crisis in Slavic Village. Directed by John Vourlis, the film sheds light on the struggles and resilience of local residents affected by the crisis, resonating deeply with the community.
The event brought together neighbors, activists, and film enthusiasts, filling the church with support and solidarity. After the screening, Vourlis discussed the film’s content and his motivations, emphasizing the importance of telling the community’s story. All proceeds from ticket sales went directly to two local summer camps: Jones Road Literacy Through the Arts and Elizabeth Baptist Church’s The Well, supporting programs that nurture creativity, literacy, and well-being among youth in Slavic Village.
ROOMS TO LET
CLE Celebrates 10 Years of Art and Community in Slavic Village
The 10th annual Rooms To Let: CLE brought vibrancy to Slavic Village this year, showcasing the work of 25 artists across 12 installation sites at the historic E. 55th and Broadway intersection. This immersive art event celebrated the spirit of Slavic Village, transforming vacant spaces into platforms for creativity and community storytelling.
A highlight of the weekend was Slavic Village Reframed, a photo series by Mark Silverberg displayed at the Darl Center for the Arts. This powerful series captured the lives and stories of Broadway-Slavic Village residents, portraying the neighborhood’s rich cultural tapestry through striking portraits.
At 5746 Broadway, visitors explored The Museum of Commonplace, a thought-provoking installation by artist Sean Doyle, and Zinefication, a collaborative project by Kyla Ann,
Stephanie Stewart, and Robert Greer. Both exhibits will remain open to the public through November, inviting locals and visitors alike to engage with Slavic Village through the artists’ eyes.
Adding to the community’s visual landscape, artist David Witzke, also known as The Sign Guy 1972, transformed a once-abandoned property at 5506 Dolloff Road with a vibrant bird mural. The mural, which became a focal point of the Rooms To Let weekend, turned an overlooked space into a symbol of renewal.
This milestone year for Rooms To Let: CLE underscores the power of art to celebrate, connect, and reimagine the Slavic Village community.
SVD REVENUE AND SUPPORT
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024
Sources: Total $2,816,276
Address
5620 Broadway Ave.
Cleveland, OH, 44127
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Hours of Operation
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
Contact Us
(216) 429-1182
info@slavicvillage.org
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