Mayor Kevin Corcoran: A Vision for North Ridgeville

“There is tremendous opportunity here…”

North Ridgeville Mayor Kevin Corcoran presented his first State of the City address before a packed house at the North Ridgeville Academic Center the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 10.

Taking office just 9 days earlier, the new mayor offered words of gratitude, confidence and a vision for the future of the community.

His mission statement:

‘The Vision I have for our City is to BE the best community in Northeastern Ohio to live, work and play. Where residents and city employees DO everything possible to create an environment of safety, healthy growth and community. And that we HAVE a City that is inviting, safe, family-friendly and interesting to new and existing businesses.’

Mayor Corcoran’s appearance was sponsored by the North Ridgeville Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

Marjorie Snyder, North Ridgeville Chamber, Mayor Corcoran and Sara Markle, North Ridgeville Chamber

“Mayor Kevin Corcoran’s first State of the City luncheon and speech gave insight and excitement for the future of our city. Thank you to all who could attend!” said Chamber President Marjorie Snyder.

The audience of about 250 guests welcomed the new mayor warmly. City, county and business leaders and dignitaries listened intently as Mayor Corcoran commended the career of outgoing Mayor Gillock and thanked him for his leadership and service.

That service, said Mayor Corcoran, is evinced in many of the community’s assets, including safety.

The city is the fifth safest in the state and also one of the fastest-growing – leading the way in northeast Ohio.

The opening of a new fire station last year supplements resident security in a big way,” said the mayor. “It is more than a fire station. It is a headquarters.” 

Adding continuity to the administration, he thanked continuing Safety-Service Director Jeffery Armbruster and other administration members for their community loyalty and commitment into the new administration.

Calling himself the “Number One cheerleader in town,” he described his run for office as the toughest job interview he has ever faced. But the honor of serving as mayor is, he said, “an awesome opportunity and responsibility.”

Looking forward, Mayor Corcoran reasonably expects that the state’s prediction of completing Center Ridge Road renovations will be accomplished this year. He thanked the businesses that have stayed the course and encourages shoppers to patronized these merchants.

With over 300 building permits issued last year, Mayor Corcoran plans to pursue the creation of an Economic Development Director position.

North Ridgeville Academic Center

There is no slowing down as Discount Drug Mart plans to build at Bagley and Lorain and has even agreed to explore architectural coordination with neighboring Danbury Senior Living – one of two new senior living facilities to open this year.

Other highlights: A new “Story Walk” in collaboration with North Ridgeville Library at South Central Park and a new playground at the soccer fields. A new round-a-bout at Chester Road and State Route 83 will connect Lorain and Chester roads and the Ranger Way project will go out to bid to connect to Bainbridge Road.

Infrastructure needs will be addressed, with roads ranked in terms of first need. Water lines, street aesthetics and much more are formulating in the framework of the new Corcoran Administration. With just nine days of service under his belt as the city’s new leader, Mayor Corcoran made his goals clear. “‘I’m setting the bar high and my expectations high,” he said. “I want us to be the best community in Northeast Ohio.”

Mayor Corcoran’s State of the City Address Available Online

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