Cudell Improvement elects new officers

(Plain Press, March 2008) The Board of Directors of Cudell Improvement, Inc. elected new officers recently. Cudell is the nonprofit community development corporation serving constituencies of the Cudell/Edgewater neighborhood, Cleveland’s northernmost neighborhood on the west side, adjacent to Lake Erie.

Serving as President is Melanie A. Shakarian, an attorney and Director of Development with the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.  Ms. Shakarian is a lifelong resident of the neighborhood.  She will serve a one-year term.

Daniel L. Berry, owner of Berry-Martens Sons Funeral Home on Detroit Avenue, was re-elected Vice President.

Walter Martens Jr., was re-elected to the office of Treasurer.  Mr. Martens is the owner of Walter Martens & Sons Funeral Home on Denison Avenue.

David Retzer, a neighborhood resident, was re-elected Secretary.

Ms. Shakarian’s first act as President was presiding over a board retreat.  “The goal of the retreat was to prioritize retail and residential development projects for the next year and identify service gaps in code enforcement, safety and other quality of life issues,” Shakarian stated.

Anita Brindza, Executive Director of Cudell Improvement, Inc. commented “Cudell Improvement, Inc. is only as strong as its leadership. I am pleased to note that the officers serving for the coming twelve months not only bring a professional skill set that adds depth to the organization but have a deep commitment to serving the stakeholders in the Cudell/Edgewater neighborhood.”

Since its founding in 1974, Cudell Improvement, Inc. has been a leader in preserving the built environment in the Cudell/Edgewater neighborhood  while assuring quality design for new buildings. Historic restorations, gut rehab projects, major real estate developments and storefront renovations have made a major impact on the aesthetic appeal of both commercial districts and neighborhood streets.

As a developer, Cudell Improvement, Inc. has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects, the Cleveland Restoration Society, city of Cleveland's Department of Community Development and city of Cleveland's Landmarks Commission for its outstanding commitment to historic preservation in real estate development.

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