Cleveland Heights

Development partner outlines process for revitalizing Severance

New York-based real estate development firm MPact Collective, known for its innovative approach to downtown revitalization, has commenced its process toward the transformation of Severance Town Center.

MPact aims to redevelop the struggling Severance mall into a vibrant, mixed-use community through a public-private partnership.

The Cleveland Heights initiative is a joint venture between MPact and Namdar Realty Group, Severance’s owner. While Namdar’s reputation has presented challenges in gaining community trust, MPact Collective is leveraging its history of success to bridge the gap.

The partnership's 20-month planning phase includes community engagement, rezoning efforts and a conceptual plan to redefine the Severance site. MPact acts as the master developer and brings in co-development partners to build components of the project under rules established though community and municipal collaboration and codified in the zoning and land-use regulations.

Read Full Story
Volume 18, Issue 2, Posted 12:00 PM, 01.31.2025

CH officials decline to speculate on cause of Cedar-Lee fire

After the “devastating fire” that destroyed part of the Marquee development complex over the weekend, Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren said the city is committed to “rebuilding after the initial process of investigation.”

Flanked by other city officials, Mayor Seren said at a news conference on Monday, Jan. 27, that there is no timeline yet for the investigation.

According to CH Fire Chief Jim Harry, first reports of the fire came in at approximately 7:05 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24. When fire crews responded, a “heavy body of fire” was already in the roof and ceiling.

Read Full Story
Volume 18, Issue 2, Posted 11:00 AM, 01.28.2025

CH issues statement on alleged ICE raid in Coventry Village

On Jan. 27, at 1:56 p.m., the city of Cleveland Heights issued the following statement regarding multiple social media accounts of an alleged Jan. 26 ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raid on Cilantro Taqueria in Coventry Village:

"A report of a raid by federal ICE officials on the business establishment operated by Cilantro Taqueria located at Coventry and Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights has come to the attention of the City and its Division of Police.

Read Full Story
Volume 18, Issue 2, Posted 3:10 PM, 01.27.2025

Stop blaming ODOT, Mr. Mayor!

John Gall lives at the T-bone intersection of South Taylor Road and Fairmount Boulevard in Cleveland Heights. On several occasions, speeding motor vehicles traveling southbound through that intersection have crashed into his house. One crash resulted from a police chase. There used to be a guardrail facing the intersection on Gall’s tree lawn. The city had it removed. Mr. Gall believes that removal has deprived his house of protection from such collisions.

Mayor Seren insists that removal of the guardrail merely “adhered” to guidelines of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The mayor has offered alternative solutions, such as bollards, wooden posts, field stones, or concrete barriers. He even offered to buy Gall’s house. The city now has placed two large boulders on the tree lawn. But Mr. Gall still wants a guardrail. The city still refuses to allow one.

Read Full Story
Volume 18, Issue 2, Posted 12:10 PM, 01.31.2025

CH names accessory dwelling unit design winners

The city of Cleveland Heights recognized five winners in its Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Design Competition at an Awards Showcase held at CH City Hall on Dec. 4.

The showcase featured original designs for ADUs—small, second homes that can be built on the same property as a primary residence—submitted by 28 professional and amateur designers.

The two People’s Choice award winners—Cade McCue of Kent State University, and Tristen Ruffin-Williams of Hawken School—were selected through an online vote.

The three winners in the juried competition, chosen by a panel of residents and design and planning professionals, were: Chuck Miller of C2, Charles C. Miller Architect LLC; Connor Deck, Jon Novak and Tommy Chesnes of Onyx Creative; Phillip Talley and Jamie List of City Architecture.

Read Full Story
Volume 18, Issue 1, Posted 10:03 AM, 01.02.2025

Former Akron mayor is CH city administrator nominee

On Monday, Dec. 16, Cleveland Heights City Council held a confirmation hearing for Dan Horrigan, the former mayor of Akron, who is Mayor Kahlil Seren’s nominee to serve as the next city administrator of Cleveland Heights.

The hearing, a special meeting of the Council Committee of the Whole, can be viewed on the city’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2aNUPafnTY&t=20s.

According to the mayor, Horrigan was one of 42 applicants for the position, and the only one whom Seren interviewed—via a “series of conversations about his experience and interest in continuing in public service.” The mayor noted, “I wanted to jump on this opportunity and move forward.”

Read Full Story
Volume 18, Issue 1, Posted 9:50 AM, 01.02.2025

CH installs traffic-calming demos with $800,000 federal grant

The city of Cleveland Heights won a $800,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The city will use the grant to install demonstration projects from the SS4A federal program, intended to improve safety conditions for pedestrians and cyclists in Cleveland Heights.

The city will add $200,000 from its general operating fund to the $800,000 grant for an immediate infusion of $1 million in roadway safety improvements.

"This grant will enable a faster turnaround for our traffic calming program and getting demonstration projects in place that encourage sustainable forms of transportation in Cleveland Heights," Mayor Seren said.

Read Full Story
Volume 18, Issue 1, Posted 9:59 AM, 01.02.2025

Energy-savings contract is part of CH Climate Action Plan

On Dec. 10, Cleveland Heights signed a sweeping “energy savings performance” contract with Leopardo Energy that will generate for the city $1.8 million in savings per year for the next 20 years.

At the heart of the $25 million contract are renovations to five city facilities and replacement of the city’s streetlights with energy-efficient LED fixtures. The city will create 387 union jobs to update power systems and repair City Hall, the two fire stations, the service garage, and Cain Park.

“We are acting today for future generations by extending the life of our properties and committing Cleveland Heights to a path for energy savings and carbon reductions prioritized in our recently released Climate Action and Resilience Plan,” Mayor Seren said.

Read Full Story
Volume 18, Issue 1, Posted 10:04 AM, 01.02.2025

CH observes Trans Day of Remembrance

On Nov. 20, TransOhio and Pride in the Heights, in collaboration with the city of Cleveland Heights, hosted a Trans Day of Remembrance event at the CH Community Center. More than 75 people attended.

Trans Day of Remembrance is an annual vigil held by communities across the world to honor transgender people who lost their lives to discriminatory violence. A portion of the ceremony is devoted to reading the names of those killed that year.

"We’re here tonight to acknowledge and grieve people who lost their lives to bigotry," Mayor Seren said. "Their deaths were meant to be a threat to us all about how fully we realize ourselves, and how true we are to our own identities. Which is why these public gatherings are crucial: We must come together to affirm and celebrate our individuality and self-expression, and we must collectively mourn when that right is violently taken from any of us."

Read Full Story
Volume 18, Issue 1, Posted 10:00 AM, 01.02.2025

Mayor Seren nominates former Akron mayor as new CH city administrator

On Dec. 9, Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren announced that he will recommend Dan Horrigan, the former two-term mayor of Akron, to be the new city administrator at the Dec. 16 meeting of Cleveland Heights City Council. 

The announcement states:

Horrigan served as the Mayor of Akron for two terms from Nov. 3, 2015 to Jan. 1, 2024.

Mayor Seren said, “We are so fortunate that Dan is available to fill this particular role both at this time in his career, and at a time of real momentum in Cleveland Heights.

Read Full Story
Volume 18, Issue 1, Posted 9:49 AM, 12.10.2024

CH mayor addresses State of the City

On Nov. 7, Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren delivered his third State of the City address.

“I'd like to begin our time together tonight focusing on what we have to be proud of and hopeful for in Cleveland Heights,” said the mayor in beginning his address. In it, he highlighted the following:

Development Updates: Mayor Seren outlined the major city development projects underway and forthcoming, specifically the Cedar-Lee-Meadowbrook mixed-use project, with phase one nearly complete; and the Cain Park Village project which aims to revitalize the Taylor Tudor business district and is estimated to bring in an additional $100 million in investment.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 12, Posted 9:14 AM, 11.26.2024

Annual Fun Run draws international participants

The city’s Happy 5k/10k & 1 Mile Fun Run and After Party has become a branded event for Cleveland Heights. It is a major regional run attracting people not just from Cleveland Heights and other cities in Northeast Ohio but also from 10 other states and two other countries, Canada and U.K. In fact, 73% of the 665 participants were not from Cleveland Heights.

This year the event added an after party.  With Lee Road closed from Silsby to Meadowbrook, activities encompassed the street. There was a popular bouncy house, face painters, Bubblepalooza, a balloon artist who delighted the kids, and DJ Lily Jade and the band Footprints to delight the adults.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 11, Posted 4:17 PM, 10.31.2024

Free seminar offers estate-planning tips

On Oct. 10, join in a “YouTalk I Listen” seminar, hosted by Cleveland Heights City Council Vice President Davida Russell and K&M Partners, to learn essential information on estate planning. The seminar will be held in Cleveland Heights High School’s small auditorium, and will begin at 6:30 p.m.
 
This event is designed to provide vital information for individuals and families who own homes or other assets that they want to ensure are properly protected.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 11, Posted 9:42 AM, 10.07.2024

CH City Administrator to retire at end of 2024

Cleveland Heights City Administrator Danny Williams announced at the Sept. 3 meeting of CH City Council that he plans to retire at the end of this year. He said he was making his plans known now “to give the mayor ample time to find a suitable replacement.”

Williams cited personal and professional reasons for his decision.

“At the end of this year,” said Williams, “I will have outlived my father by a decade.” That realization, he said, coupled with losses he has experienced over the past year, prompted him to think about where he wants to spend the rest of his life. 

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 10, Posted 1:18 PM, 09.08.2024

CH seeks input on safety action plan at Aug. 21 open house

On Wednesday, Aug. 21, the city of Cleveland Heights and consultant partners Kimley-Horn and Seventh Hill will present an update on the city’s Comprehensive and Equitable Safety Action Plan (CESAP). Residents are encouraged to attend the open-house meeting at the Lee Road Library, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

The project team seeks ongoing community input regarding existing safety concerns throughout Cleveland Heights for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists alike.

After a thorough review of historical crash data and consideration of community concerns, the project team has identified projects and programs that it believes will bring tangible safety benefits to the community.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 9, Posted 11:08 AM, 08.17.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights

AUGUST 12, 2024, special meeting

  • Council action
  • Committee of the Whole

Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren, Tony Cuda (council president), Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., Jim Petras, and Jim Posch. Also present were Clerk of Council Addie Balester, Law Director William Hanna, and City Administrator Danny Williams. Davida Russell was excused. The meeting ran for eight minutes, following a one-hour Committee of the Whole meeting.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 9, Posted 11:00 AM, 10.29.2024

LEI alums help cultivate literary legacy

Lake Erie Ink (LEI), a creative writing organization, has long been a nurturing ground for young writers, providing them with the tools, support, and community necessary to hone their craft. Over the years, the organization has evolved significantly, not only in its offerings but also in the vibrant community it fosters. A testament to its enduring impact is the phenomenon of former participants returning to contribute as teachers, volunteers, or board members of Fresh Ink, the organization’s guiding body.

Founded with a vision to empower youth through creative expression, LEI offers an array of programs, including workshops, summer camps, and writing clubs, catering to diverse age groups and skill levels.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 8, Posted 5:15 PM, 07.30.2024

Fears of CH's doom are overplayed

Recently I’ve noticed comments by some Cleveland Heights citizens about two important issues: the new apartment buildings going up in Cleveland Heights, and septic/storm overflows in our sewers. These comments need correcting.

A complaint about the new apartment buildings is that they are for “outsiders,” and few people from outside Cleveland Heights want to move into these buildings. The thought is that Cleveland Heights shouldn’t even consider that people would move here. And complaints are leveled at Cleveland Heights City Council for approving the new, some say misguided, development.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 8, Posted 4:34 PM, 07.30.2024

Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights 7-2-2024

JULY 2, 2024 special meeting.

Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren, Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., Jim Petras, and Jim Posch. Tony Cuda (council president) and Davida Russell (vice president) were excused. Also present were Clerk of Council Addie Balester and Law Director William Hanna, The meeting ran for nine minutes.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 8, Posted 11:43 AM, 08.12.2024

Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights 6-24-2024

JUNE 24, 2024, special meeting

  • Public comment
  • Police chief report
  • Council action

Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren, Tony Cuda (council president), Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., Jim Petras, and Jim Posch. Davida Russell was excused. Also present were Clerk of Council Addie Balester, Law Director William Hanna, and City Administrator Danny Williams. The special meeting ran for one hour and 30 minutes; the COW for a little over two and one-quarter hours.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 8, Posted 11:41 AM, 08.12.2024

Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights 6-17-2024

JUNE 17, 2024, regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • City administrator’s report
  • Grandview parking lot
  • Clerk of council’s report
  • Council actions
  • Council member comments
  • Committee of the whole

Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren, Tony Cuda (council president), Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., Jim Petras, and Jim Posch. Davida Russell was excused. Also present were Clerk of Council Addie Balester, Law Director William Hanna, and City Administrator Danny Williams.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 8, Posted 11:51 AM, 08.08.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights

JUNE 3, 2024 regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • Mayor’s Action Center
  • Council actions
  • Council member comments
  • Committee of the Whole

Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren, Tony Cuda (council president), Davida Russell (vice president), Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., Jim Petras, and Jim Posch. Also present were Clerk of Council Addie Balester, Law Director William Hanna, and City Administrator Danny Williams. The meeting ran for two hours.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 7, Posted 9:55 AM, 07.10.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights

MAY 23, 2024 special meeting

  • Council actions
  • Committee of the Whole

Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren, Tony Cuda (council president), Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., Jim Petras, and Jim Posch. Davida Russell was excused. Also present were Clerk of Council Addie Balester and Law Director William Hanna. The meeting ran for 10 minutes.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 7, Posted 9:53 AM, 07.10.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights

MAY 20, 2024 regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • City administrator’s report
  • Public works
  • Council actions
  • Council member comments
  • Committee of the whole

Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren, Tony Cuda (council president), Davida Russell (vice president), Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., Jim Petras, and Jim Posch. Also present were Law Director William Hanna and City Administrator Danny Williams. Clerk of Council Addie Balester was not present. The meeting ran for two and one quarter hours.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 7, Posted 9:50 AM, 07.10.2024

Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights

MAY 6, 2024 - regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Parks and garages
  • Clerk of council’s report
  • Sewer district
  • Library renovations
  • Council actions
  • Council member comments
  • Committee of the whole

Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren, Tony Cuda (council president), Davida Russell (vice president), Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., and Jim Petras. Also present were Clerk of Council Addie Balester, Law Director William Hanna, and City Administrator Danny Williams. Jim Posch was not present. The meeting ran for two hours.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 6, Posted 2:30 PM, 05.29.2024

Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights

APRIL 25, 2024 - special meeting

Present were Tony Cuda (council president), Davida Russell (vice president, Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr. and Jim Petras as was Clerk of Council Addie Balester. The meeting ran for 48 minutes, including the executive session.

Council vacancy appointment

Council held a 45-minute executive session to consider the appointment of a public official. In public session, council appointed Jim Posch to the vacant council seat. Mr. Mattox voted no. No council members commented on the vote.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 6, Posted 11:49 AM, 05.29.2024

Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights

APRIL 15, 2024 - regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • Poet laureate
  • Council actions
  • Council member comments
  • Council President’s Report
  • Committee of the Whole (CoW)

Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren, Tony Cuda (council president), Davida Russell (vice president), Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., and Jim Petras. Also present were Clerk of Council Addie Balester, Law Director William Hanna, and City Administrator Danny Williams. The meeting ran for 52 minutes.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 6, Posted 11:33 AM, 05.29.2024

CH council appoints Jim Posch to fill vacancy

At a special meeting of Cleveland Heights City Council on Thursday, April 25, the six council members appointed Jim Posch to fill the council vacancy created when Janine Boyd resigned on March 18.

The vote was 5-1, with Council Member Anthony Mattox Jr. voting no.

According to an April 26 press release from CH Council President Tony Cuda, the city’s law director, William Hanna, swore in Posch on Friday morning.

“Vice President Russell and I are pleased to welcome Mr. Posch to our team,” Cuda stated.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 5, Posted 4:40 PM, 04.27.2024

CH Charter Review Commission to host May 21 public meeting

The 2023 Cleveland Heights Charter Review Commission (CRC) will hold a public information and input meeting—for comments on its report and proposed charter changes—on Tuesday, May 21, 6 p.m., at the Lee Road Library.

The CRC began meeting in July 2023 to consider possible changes to the CH City Charter.

Videos of the meetings are available on the city’s YouTube channel. Links to the videos, as well as the CRC's meeting schedule, agendas and minutes, are posted on the city’s Web page for the commission (www.clevelandheights.gov/875/Charter-Review-Commission).

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 5, Posted 10:07 AM, 04.29.2024

CH launches 'engagement phase' of climate action plan

During June and July last year, wildfires in Canada gave Cleveland Heights a small taste of the threat posed by climate change; poor air quality forced residents inside and created health issues for many.

The city of Cleveland Heights is on a mission to plan and prepare for the effects of climate change through its inaugural Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP). This effort is being spearheaded by Andy Boatang, the city’s first Sustainability and Resilience Coordinator, who was appointed by Mayor Kahlil Seren in August 2023.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 5, Posted 9:59 AM, 04.29.2024

CH celebrates nine 'amazing' women

On March 21, during Women’s History Month, Cleveland Heights City Council held its third annual Women’s Day Celebration, recognizing nine “inspirational and amazing” women who call the city home.

The celebration began with opening remarks by CH City Council President Tony Cuda, followed by a joyous performance by the Cleveland Heights High School Women’s Barbershoppers. 

The event honored the nine women in three categories: Inspirational Young Women, Women in Business, and Amazing Women of Cleveland Heights.

The honorees were selected from nominations submitted to council by friends, colleagues, teachers, families and other residents, declaring the ways in which the honorees are exceptional in the CH community.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 5, Posted 4:33 PM, 04.05.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights

APRIL 1, 2024 regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • Council actions
  • Council member comments
  • Council president’s report
  • Committee of the Whole

Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren and council members Tony Cuda (council president), Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., and Jim Petras. Also present were Clerk of Council Addie Balester, Law Director William Hanna, and City Administrator Danny Williams. Davida Russell (vice president) was excused. The meeting ran for one hour and 20 minutes.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 5, Posted 11:50 AM, 04.30.2024

Boyd resigns from CH City Council

Cleveland Heights City Council Member Janine Boyd, elected last November to a four-year term, announced her resignation at the March 18 meeting of CH City Council. Boyd and her family plan to move to Virginia.

Via letter, Boyd informed Council President Tony Cuda on March 4 that she would officially resign on March 18.

Council immediately announced it would be seeking applicants to fill her seat for the remainder of 2024. The application was posted on the city’s website, www.clevelandheights.gov, on March 19, and applications are due March 29.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 4, Posted 11:06 AM, 03.24.2024

Cuda and Russell to meet with Forest Hill residents

Cleveland Heights City Council President Tony Cuda and council Vice President Davida Russell will hold a listening session on Tuesday, March 5, 7–8 p.m., at Forest Hill Church, 3031 Monticello Blvd., at the corner of Monticello and Lee Road. 

Heights residents—and Forest Hill residents in particular—are invited to take this opportunity to meet Cuda and Russell, and let them know what is on their minds. The focus of the March 5 session will be on issues and concerns of particular interest to Forest Hill.

Cuda and Russell have previously hosted listening sessions for Taylor/Canterbury/Boulevard, and Coventry/Roxboro/Fairfax. Plans are in the works for a similar event for Noble/Oxford/Caledonia.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 3, Posted 11:05 AM, 02.24.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 - regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • City administrator’s report
  • Clerk of council’s report
  • Council actions
  • Council member comments
  • Public session not authorized
  • Israel-Palestine resolution
  • Committee of the whole

Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren, Council President Tony Cuda, Vice President Davida Russell, and council members Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox Jr. and Jim Petras. Janine Boyd was not present. Also present were Addie Balester, clerk of council; William Hanna, law director; and Danny Williams, city administrator. The meeting ran 1.75 hours.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 3, Posted 11:46 AM, 02.29.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights

JANUARY 16, 2024 - regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • City Administrator’s Report
  • Council actions
  • Council member comments
  • Committee of the whole
  • Other agenda items

Council President Tony Cuda, Council Vice President Davida Russell, and Council Members Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., and Jim Petras were present. Mayor Kahlil Seren was absent (attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors) and Council Member Janine Boyd was observing virtually. Also present were Addie Balester, clerk of council, William Hanna, law director, and Danny Williams, city administrator. The regular meeting ran 44 minutes and the Committee of the Whole, one hour and 38 minutes. A public hearing for zoning text and map changes ran 27 minutes.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 3, Posted 11:39 AM, 02.29.2024

Cain Park launches winter festival

Cain Park has always been more than Cleveland Heights’ Summer Arts Park. For decades, its sled hill has been a source of winter fun for Cleveland Heights families. Now, residents and visitors are encouraged to embrace the chill, indulge in delicious treats, and be part of a new winter tradition.

This month, Cain Park will embrace its winter role and take the first step toward becoming a year-round hub for community events and activities with the launch of the first annual Cain Park Freeze Fest, a free winter festival planned for Saturday, Feb. 24, 4–9 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 25, noon to 4 p.m.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 2, Posted 5:11 PM, 01.30.2024

CH CRC seeks community input at Feb. 12 meeting

Cleveland Heights City Resolution 176-2022, passed by CH City Council on Dec. 5, 2022, established a Charter Review Commission (CRC) to review the Cleveland Heights City Charter and make recommendations for charter amendments. 

The commission was instructed to review the 2017 CRC report, and interview and consult current and former staff, current and former elected officials, and anyone else deemed appropriate by the commission.

The CRC would also like to hear from the Cleveland Heights community and learn what community members consider important for the city charter and city government, which has gone through some growing pains in the past few years. The CRC wants input regarding how we can all make the system function better.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 2, Posted 4:38 PM, 01.30.2024

Cuda is new CH City Council president

In its first meeting of 2024, Cleveland Heights City Council convened an organizational meeting to swear in the three council members elected in November, and select a council president and vice president.

At the Jan. 2 meeting, Gail Larson and Jim Petras took the oath of office. (Janine Boyd was sworn in at her home, on Jan. 1, by Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Shirley Strickland Saffold.)

Davida Russell was then elected president pro tem, and presided over the nominations for council president.

Council Member Anthony Mattox Jr. nominated Gail Larson, who declined; Mattox subsequently nominated Janine Boyd. Larson nominated Council Member Tony Cuda.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 2, Posted 1:28 PM, 01.04.2024

Community and business leaders share strengths and needs at community relations meeting

The Community Relations and Recreation Committee of Cleveland Heights City Council had its quarterly meeting on Nov. 6. Invited guests, representing a variety of Cleveland Heights businesses and community organizations, shared what they offer and what they need from the city.

Cleveland Heights Council Member Davida Russell is chair of the committee, which comprises Community Relations, the Office on Aging, Public Properties, Public Relations, Recreation Programs and School Relationships. Council members Janine Boyd (vice chair) and Gail Larson are the committee’s other members.

Guests at the meeting included Adam Winston, director of government for MetroHealth; Alyssa Roberts, program coordinator for the LGBTQ Community Center of Greater Cleveland; David Zhou, emerging markets loan officer for PNC Bank; Julie Mostov, the new executive director of the Cedar Fairmount Special Improvement District, and executive director of the Heights-Hillcrest Chamber of Commerce, which includes Cleveland Heights, University Heights, Shaker Heights, Richmond Heights, South Euclid and Lyndhurst; Kristine Pagsuyoin, executive director of FutureHeights; Leonard Remmer, co-owner of The Exclusive Touch; Rabbi Alan Joseph, the executive director of Bikur Cholim; Rob Previte, vice president of business development for Call A Doctor Plus; and Terrance Allen, CEO of Urban City Codes.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 1, Posted 12:27 PM, 12.27.2023

Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights

DEC. 4, 2023 - regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Cedar Fairmount vacant store
  • Council actions
  • Council member comments
  • Committee of the Whole

Council members present were Melody Joy Hart (president), Craig Cobb (vice president), Janine Boyd, Tony Cuda, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., and Davida Russell. Also present were Mayor Kahlil Seren, Clerk of Council Addie Balester, and Law Director William Hanna. The meeting ran a little under one hour.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 1, Posted 2:01 PM, 12.29.2023