Resources for Birdtown & Lakewood
Birdtown is a neighborhood where people look out for each other. This page exists to make that easier.
Below you’ll find practical resources for living in Birdtown — whether you’re new to the block or have been here for years. Renter and homeowner resources are covered separately, along with general neighborhood information that applies to everyone.
If something’s missing or out of date, let us know.
Welcome to Birdtown
Who to Contact and Report Issues >
Renter Resources
📣 Make sure you’re registered to vote at your new address. Your polling location is Harrison Elementary School, right in the heart of Birdtown.
Parking Cars & Bikes in Birdtown
This Google Map shows you where the bike racks and parking lots are for visiting Birdtown. It also shows which side of the street to park on. Birdtown parking is limited to one side of the street. It’s the non-hydrant side of the street in the Historic Birdtown District.
Utilities
Birdtown uses FirstEnergy for electricity and Enbridge for gas. Water, sewer, and trash are billed through the city. For renters, landlords are typically responsible for water, sewer, and trash.
You can shop around for energy rates in Ohio to make your electric and gas bills cheaper. Here’s the website to compare rates from Energy Choice Ohio.
💡 Is your electricity out? To report an outage, text OUT to 544487 (LIGHTS). If you’re not enrolled in text messaging, text REG to 544487 to get started.
Cox and AT&T Internet are available in our neighborhood.
Residential curbside trash and recycling pick up happens weekly. Find out what day to put your cans on the curb and more about refuse and recycling on Lakewood’s website here.
5-Minute Walk Businesses
A list of businesses that are close enough to walk to in or around Birdtown, in no particular order.
🍔 Food
Coffee Pot
East End Bistro & Pub
Juan’s Pizza (coming soon in Fall 2026)
🛍 Shopping
🪁 Activities
City-managed green space: Madison Park & Beck Pool
Indoor mini golf: Birdietown Mini Golf + Lounge
Bowling & concerts: Mahall’s
Concerts, trivia, & other performances: The Winchester Music Tavern
Catholic museum: The Sanctuary Museum
Rock climbing: Nosotros Climbing + Weights
City Leadership
Here are the Lakewood council members that directly represent you at the city level. Click each name to see contact information on the city’s website.
Lakewood Mayor: Meghan George
Elected to city council in 2017, then elected as mayor in 2019. Her father, Thomas George, also previously served as Lakewood’s mayor 2004-2007.
Term expires December 31, 2027
City Council Ward 4 Representative: Matt Bixenstine
Appointed in early 2026 after former Ward 4 Representative Cindy Marx moved out of Lakewood, therefore resigning as a member of council.
Term expires December 31, 2027
President, Lakewood City Council: Sarah Kepple
Appointed in 2020 to fill Meghan George’s vacated seat, and elected in 2022 after receiving the highest number of votes from Lakewood residents of any candidate in the race.
Term expires December 31, 2029
City Council At-Large Representative: Angelina Hamilton Steiner
Appointed in early 2025 after former At-Large Representative Tristan Rader was elected to the Ohio legislature, and then re-elected in 2025 to serve on city council.
Term expires December 31, 2029
City Council At-Large Representative: Tom Bullock
Elected in 2007
Term expires December 31, 2029
Housing Assistance
The Lakewood Community Services Center (based in Birdtown) provides a combination of case management, referrals to mainstream benefits and service providers, and cash assistance for rent and/or utilities to Lakewood residents at risk of homelessness.
Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law
The Legal Aid of Society of Cleveland provides a brochure of some of the basic Ohio Landlord-Tenant Laws. It includes: Landlord duties, tenant duties, eviction, conditions issues, retaliation, and more. Visit Legal Aid’s website at https://lasclev.org/landlordtenantlawbrochure/.
Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Do you rent your home? Do you have questions about tenant rights and responsibilities? Tenants can call Legal Aid’s Tenant Information Line for information about Ohio housing law. For Cuyahoga County tenants, call 216-861-5955.
Legal Aid provides legal services at no cost to clients with low incomes, helping ensure fairness for all in the justice system. Legal Aid is prepared to help with common questions, like:
Am I allowed to break my lease?
How can I get my landlord to make repairs?
What do I need to do to get back my security deposit?
Can I keep my service animal if my new building does not allow pets?
Do I have to keep paying rent if my landlord is not paying utilities that are his responsibility?
I received a 3-day notice, do I need to move?
How much can my landlord charge for late fees?