University Heights

Music, applause, hugs, and laughter—as well as many University Heights residents—filled John Carroll University’s (JCU) Jardine Room on Nov. 15 for the 2023 UH Civic Awards.

In his opening remarks, Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said, “We brought back the Civic Awards in 2018 because it is important to take time to celebrate our community, and give recognition where it is deserved, to amplify and tell the story of the people who make a difference in the community. 

“So much of life is ephemeral and impermanent. We pause to remember tonight, in hopes that we may never forget.”

NOVEMBER 6, 2023 - regular meeting

• Public comment
• Mayor’s report
• City council committee reports
• Actions
• Oct. 2 minutes
  
  

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michele Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer.

OCTOBER 16, 2023 - regular meeting

• Public comment
• Mayor’s report
• City council committee reports
• Council actions
• Council Chambers
• Staff reports 
• Other agenda items
  
  

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer.

As an afternoon traffic anchor, host of the Emmy-nominated “Cleveland Now,” and roving reporter for “Friday Night Football Frenzy Game of the Week,” Rachel Vadaj of 19 News is indeed everywhere.

The John Carroll University (JCU) grad will return to campus on Wednesday, Nov. 15, to host the 2023 University Heights Civic Awards. A reception with hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the award ceremony starting promptly at 7:30 p.m. in the Jardine Room.

“University Heights will always be a home in my heart. While I was a student here, I prayed to be where I am today,” Vadaj said. “To be welcomed back by my college town as your host is one of my highest honors.”

Each year, the UH Civic Awards honor those who are working hard to make University Heights an even better place in which to live, work, and raise a family.

Lynnesha D. Hamilton. Her name is Lynnesha D. Hamilton. And there’s a million things she hasn’t done, but just you wait. Just you wait.

Staff at University Heights City Hall have been waiting for weeks for a new front desk receptionist to arrive, and on Oct. 16, Hamilton joined the team.

“We love the 'Hamilton' musical puns, and we love the fact that Lynnesha is here,” said Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan. “More importantly, University Heights residents are going to love having a live person answering the phones and greeting them at City Hall.

“Lynnesha is smart, she works hard, and she’s really personable. We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber on board in this new position.”

OCT. 2, 2023 - regular meeting

• Public comment
• Council chambers
• Staff reports
• Council action
  
  

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and council members Brian J. King, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney and Threse Marshall were excused. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; and Luke McConville, law director. The meeting ran for two hours and seven minutes, including an executive session.

SEPT. 18, 2023

• Public comments
• Mayor’s report
• City council reports
• Council action
• Staff reports
• Executive session
  
  

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and council members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. The meeting ran for about one hour and 20 minutes.

AUG. 15, 2023 - special meeting

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney was excused. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. The meeting ran for one hour, 20 minutes.

Council actions

Council approved, contingent upon bond, the Planning Commission’s recommendation for Drees Homes for demolition of the existing home at 2519 Claver Road and a site plan for a new home. A previous developer received a variance but didn’t build.

Generous financial support from the Ohio Arts Council, as well as Dollar Bank, will result in more live entertainment at this year’s University Heights Fall Fest.

The fourth annual festival returns to Walter Stinson Community Park on Sunday, Oct. 15, from noon to 5 p.m.

Award-winning singer and songwriter Jason Patrick Meyers will headline Fall Fest this year. Other performers include Wizbang Circus and Heights Poet Laureate Siaara Freeman.

Paul Combs, the illustrator of the Sprinkles the Fire Dog book series, will read and sign books at the 2023 University Heights Fire Department Open House on Sunday, Oct. 8.

The open house will run from noon to 3 p.m. at the Fire Department, attached to UH City Hall, and will include tours of the station, food, and fun family activities.

Combs will read the book to attendees at 12:30 p.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. The books Sprinkles the Fire Dog and Sprinkles the Fire Dog 2—Making a Difference will be available for purchase at the event.

The theme of national Fire Prevention Week 2023 is “Cooking safety starts with YOU.” At the open house, attendees will learn about fire safety in the kitchen and at outside grills.

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 - regular meeting

• Mayor’s report
• Staff reports
• Council actions
  
  

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. The meeting ran a little over three hours.

University Heights City Hall and John Carroll University (JCU) are separated by only a few blocks. Sometimes, though, the distance can feel like miles. UH City Hall staff and DJs at the campus radio station are looking to do something about that—with a little help from a group of Cleveland reggae legends.

Carlos Jones and the PLUS Band will perform at the inaugural University Heights Back to School Concert on Thursday, Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m., on the JCU campus. Weather permitting, the show will be held outside at the Hamlin Quad. If it rains, the concert will take place indoors at Kulas Auditorium. All are welcome.

This fall, Cleveland will celebrate Superman, the world’s first comic book superhero, with Superman’s Cleveland, Sept. 6 through Nov. 2. Scholars, comic book lovers, and fans can partake of almost two months of Superman-focused book discussions, comics-making workshops, live interviews with creators, and more. 

The city of University Heights shares in the legacy. Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, Superman's creators, moved from Glenville to University Heights in the 1940s, as they began to achieve some success.

Shuster and Siegel created Superman in 1933, as high school students in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood.

JULY 10, 2023 - special meeting

• Committee assignment
• Council actions
  
  

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, and Council Members Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Vice Mayor Michele Weiss and Christopher Cooney were not present. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; Dennis Kennedy, finance director; and Joseph Ciuni, city engineer. The meeting ran 34 minutes. 

Aug. 8 isn’t just Special Election Day in Ohio. In University Heights, it’s 808 Day.

To honor the award-winning and Guinness World Record-holding WJCU 88.7 FM radio show “808s & Mixtapes,” University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan has proclaimed Aug. 8 as 808 Day in the city.

808 Day falls on the upcoming 100th episode of WJCU 88.7 FM’s six-time national award-nominated student-run radio show out of John Carroll University (JCU). "808s & Mixtapes" has been broadcasting live, worldwide, for the last two years—at the frequency 88.7 FM in Greater Cleveland, and around the world via the WJCU app and at www.808mixtape.com.

Good signs come to those who wait.

For years, University Heights was known as “The City of Beautiful Homes.” While a rebranding campaign in 2018 updated the door knocker logo and city motto, University Heights still has beautiful homes, and now it has beautiful welcome signs to match.

Last month, new welcome signs were installed across University Heights, with more to come later this summer and fall.

“The new signs were a long time coming, and now that they’re finally being installed, they exceed my expectations,” said University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan. “More importantly, the response from University Heights residents has been overwhelmingly positive.”

JUNE 20, 2023 regular meeting

• Public comment
• Mayor’s report
• Council vacancy
• Charter Review Commission (CRC) proposals
• Council actions on emergency
• Other council action
• Staff reports
• Committee reports

University Heights residents, as well as people from far away as Pittsburgh, packed Walter Stinson Community Park to celebrate Juneteenth.

Two-time Grammy Award-winner Krayzie Bone, of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, headlined the daylong festival, with performances from Nova the Rebel, Mookie Motonio, Caine, Hubbs Groove, the Cleveland Chorale, and Councilman Conwell and the Footprints.

An estimated 4,000 people attended the event on June 18.

Allen Pennington is taking his talents to University Heights.

After being employed by the city of Mentor for 22 years, Pennington has been hired as the new service director for University Heights. Pennington brings 29 years of experience to his new position.

University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan made the announcement of Pennington’s hiring at the June 20 UH City Council meeting.

“In our next service director, I wanted someone who would share in and implement our city’s vision of a modern public works department, not only with modernized services and improved roads, but with year-round parks and recreation offerings,” Brennan said.

JUNE 5, 2023 regular meeting

• Public comment
• Mayor’s report
• Committee appointments
• Charter Review Commission 
• Council actions
• Committee reports
  
  

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, and Sheri Sax. Barbara Blankfeld has resigned from council. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; Dennis Kennedy, finance director; and Joseph Ciuni, city engineer. The meeting ran for nearly three and three-quarter hours.

MAY 15, 2023 regular meeting

• Public comment
• Mayor’s report
• Council vacancy
• Council action
• Staff reports
• Committee reports
  
  

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Barbara Blankfeld, Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, and John P. Rach. Sheri Sax was not present. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; Dennis Kennedy, finance director; and Joseph Ciuni, city engineer. The meeting ran for about one and one half hours.

University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and Housing Director Geoff Englebrecht knew a Juneteenth celebration in University Heights could be a success. They just never anticipated how successful it would become, and how quickly.

“We knew there was a need for such an event,” Brennan said. “We hoped the community would embrace it, and it would slowly grow each year.

“However, as we finish preparations for our second celebration, we see now how important the event has become.”

Northeast Ohio native and two-time Grammy Award-winner Anthony “Krayzie Bone” Henderson of Bone Thugs ‘n Harmony will headline the second annual University Heights Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 18, at Walter Stinson Community Park.

“For our event to attract the attention of Krayzie Bone, someone who has sold over 30 million records, that makes a statement,” Brennan said.

Bigger, better and more eclectic than ever, the University Heights Summer Concert Series returns to Walter Stinson Community Park on Thursday, June 15, at 7 p.m., and runs weekly through Aug. 17.

June 15 - Rubix Groove. Last seen at The Walt last summer, Rubix Groove returns to play songs from a new EP, “Live from Akron Recording Company.” An eight-member band led by lead singer Shannon Hogarth, Rubix Groove plays funk and blues.                            

June 22 - The Ladies Night. The original all-male tribute to pop divas, The Ladies Night will make its University Heights debut this summer. These five dudes aren’t afraid to wear their love for Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, or Lady Gaga on their pink glittery sleeves.

Last summer, University Heights City Council passed an ordinance to create a Charter Review Commission (CRC) for only the third time since the city’s founding in 1941. Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan chose four CRC members, and each council member chose one, bringing the total to 11 commissioners. The CRC, which met twice a month for 10 months, proposes the following 10 charter amendments:

Gender Neutrality: The CRC recommends a charter amendment that would replace gendered terms and language throughout the city’s charter with gender-neutral and gender-inclusive terms and language. This proposed amendment would correct the charter's long-standing sexist, androcentric language and replace it with language that communicates and promotes a more inclusive city and government. 

Eliminating Term Limits: CRC recommends an amendment to eliminate term limits for elected officers of University Heights. Currently, the charter limits elected officials to serve no more than three consecutive four-year terms, or 14 consecutive years whether elected or appointed. This [term-limit] provision was approved by voters in 1995, when the national movement in favor of term limits reached its peak. However, since the 1990s, term limits have proven to be detrimental—rather than beneficial—to good government.

MAY 1, 2023 regular meeting

• Public comments
• YouTube streaming
• Committee reports
• Council actions

Present were Vice-Mayor Michelle Weiss and Council Members Barbara Blankfeld, Brian King, and Sheri Sax. Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and Council Members Christopher Cooney and John P. Rach were not present. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; Dennis Kennedy, finance director; and Joseph Ciuni, city engineer. The public meeting ran 87 minutes.

APRIL 17, 2023 regular meeting

• Mayor’s report
• City council reports
• NOPEC
• Actions
• Staff reports
• Committee reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Barbara Blankfeld, Christopher Cooney, Justin Gould, Brian J. King, and John P. Rach. Sheri Sax was not present. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; Dennis Kennedy, finance director; and Joseph Ciuni, city engineer. The public meeting ran about two and one half hours.

University Heights Council Member Justin Gould resigned from council at its April 17 meeting.

Elected to a four-year term which commenced Jan. 1, 2020, Gould chaired council's Safety Committee and served on its Finance, Service and Utilities, and Economic Development committees (serving on the latter as an alternate).

An April 18 press release, posted at www.universityheights.com, invites University Heights residents interested in filling the council vacancy to submit a letter of interest and résumé by Friday, April 28, 4:30 p.m.

The University Heights Memorial Day parade has traditionally been the biggest and best parade of its kind in Northeast Ohio. But that doesn’t mean planners will coast on its reputation. This year’s parade will have additions—big additions.

“I’ve always loved the artistry and creativity of Parade the Circle, and ever since I took office, I wanted to bring that vibe to our parade,” said University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan. “The giant puppets, the costumes, the whimsical spirit.”

Instead of trying to figure out how Parade the Circle created that spirit, Brennan went straight to the source—its founder, Robin VanLear.

For the first time, VanLear is working with the University Heights Parade Committee. She will be responsible for coordinating with community groups, and—yes—bringing giant puppets to the city's parade.

In the television acting system, an appearance on "Law & Order: SVU" is considered a prime gig for up-and-coming thespians. In University Heights, we are especially proud of hometown actor Gabriel Sidney Brown for his performance on a recent episode. This is his story . . .

“I hope I get it.” Brown was no stranger to the show’s casting director. “I auditioned for 'Law & Order: SVU' several times and also numerous other shows within the Dick Wolf Productions’ world previously,” Brown said.

“'Law & Order: SVU,' 'FBI: Most Wanted' and even 'Chicago Med, P.D., and Fire' all exist in the same universe and can have crossover in plot line,” explained Brown.

APRIL 3, 2023, regular meeting

• Public comments
• Mayor’s report
• Council actions
• Contracting procedures
• Loose recycling services
• Home rule for gun safety
• Staff reports
• Committee reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Barbara Blankfeld, Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, and Sheri Sax. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. Council Member Justin Gould was not present. The meeting lasted for about two and one quarter hours, with 17 minutes of that in executive session to discuss labor negotiations.

MARCH 20, 2023 regular meeting

• Mayor’s report
• Council actions
• Staff reports
• Committee reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Barbara Blankfeld, Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, and Sheri Sax. Justin Gould was not present. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. The public meeting ran one hour and 12 minutes. Council also convened in executive session to discuss litigation.

Invoking the lyrics of soul singer James Brown, University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan is urging University Heights residents to “get up, get into it, get involved.”

The city has revamped its volunteer page, www.universityheights.com/volunteer. “If you are interested in serving your community,” Brennan said, “this is a great place to start.”

University Heights City Council recently renewed its contract with Senior Transportation Connection (STC), enabling the service to continue to be available to adult city residents who are 60 or older, or disabled.

All clients or personal care attendants must be registered to use the service. Call 216-265-1489 to request an STC registration be sent, or download it from the STC website, ridestc.org.

MARCH 8, 2023, regular meeting

• SB 1 resolution removal from agenda
• Public comment
• Mayor’s report
• City council reports
• Council actions
• Staff reports
• Committee reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Justin Gould, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, and Sheri Sax. Barbara Blankfeld and Christopher Cooney were not present. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Joseph Ciuni, city engineer. The meeting ran a little over one hour.

FEBRUARY 21, 2023, regular meeting

• Agenda changes
• Mayor’s report
• Recycling ordinance
• Other council action
• City council reports
• Staff reports
• Committee reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Justin Gould, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, and Sheri Sax. Ms. Blankfeld was excused early. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; Dennis Kennedy, finance director; and Joseph Ciuni, city engineer. The meeting ran a little less under one and one half hours.

After implementing a new brand and logo back in 2018, University Heights will finally see the corresponding signs installed across the city this year.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said. “But the prototypes look amazing, and I’m confident residents will feel the signs were worth the wait.”

Partial prototypes of the signs were delivered to UH City Hall last month. The signs for the city's major gateways will feature the four-color University Heights logo, built with transparent colored acrylic. The stained glass and mosaic effect will make the signs unique compared to any other municipal signs in Northeast Ohio.

At his fifth State of the City address, University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan reported the state of University Heights is strong. “And to remain strong," he said, "we must keep moving forward. To do that, it depends on all of us.”

In five years, said Brennan, residents, city employees, business owners and educators have teamed up to accomplish much. “But we’ve only just begun,” he said. “We will not let University Heights fall behind.”

In his one-hour address, the second-term mayor gave updates on future projects, while proposing new initiatives.

FEBRUARY 6, 2023, regular meeting

• Mayor’s report
• Facilities
• Lobbying firm
• Recycling
• Contracting procedures
• Other council actions
• Staff reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Barbara Blankfeld, Christopher Cooney, Justin Gould, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, and Sheri Sax. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; Dennis Kennedy, finance director; and Joseph Ciuni, city engineer. The meeting ran three hours.

JANUARY 17, 2023, regular meeting

• Public comments
• Mayor’s report
• Council actions
• Staff reports
• Committee reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Barbara Blankfeld, Justin Gould, Brian J. King, and Sheri Sax. Not present were Christopher Cooney and John P. Rach. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Asst. Law Director Michael Cicero, and City Engineer Joseph Ciuni. The meeting ran for one and three quarter hours.

University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan will deliver his annual State of the City address on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m., at the Dolan Science Center auditorium on the campus of John Carroll University (JCU).

In his fifth State of the City, Brennan will update the community on multiple projects, including new municipal facilities, updating the city’s zoning code, and the fieldhouse and South Gateway projects at JCU.

Brennan will discuss the city’s commitment to sustainability, and a partnership with Power a Clean Future Ohio. 

At the last University Heights City Council meeting of 2022, Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan announced the city will suspend use of its Twitter account, citing concern with the social media platform’s recent alarming changes.

“University Heights is a diverse and welcoming city,” Brennan reported to council. “And while we need not share all the same values and opinions to live together harmoniously, we do need to share the common value of mutual respect.

“Hate has no home in University Heights.”

JANUARY 3, 2023, regular meeting

• Staff reports
• Mayor’s report
• Council actions
• Moving back to City Hall
• Committee reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Barbara Blankfeld, Christopher Cooney, Justin Gould, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, and Sheri Sax. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. The meeting ran for one hour and twenty minutes.

DECEMBER 19, 2022 - regular meeting

• Mayor’s report
• Finance committee
• Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry 
• University Square MOU
• CIC funding
• 2023 Budget
• Aleksander Shul lawsuits 
• Other council action
• Relocation of council meeting to its chambers
• Charter review commission

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Barbara Blankfeld, Christopher Cooney, Justin Gould, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, and Sheri Sax. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. The meeting ran four hours and 15 minutes.

On Dec. 1, at a meeting of the University Heights Planning Commission, John Carroll University (JCU) outlined preliminary plans to redevelop its South Gateway at Fairmount Circle.
 
Once complete, the project will comprise new retail and commercial development that will include current businesses as well as new ones, plus student housing, and additional parking.
 
Phase 1 is a new parking garage. It will provide parking for this new, mixed-use development, and replace parking that will be lost with the construction of a new fieldhouse, planned for South Belvoir Boulevard.

Earlier this year, University Heights City Council unanimously voted to contribute $10,000 of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. On Dec. 5, Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members presented a check to Kimberly LoVano, the food bank’s director of advocacy and public education. A similar donation will be made to the Kosher Food Pantry.

DECEMBER 5, 2022, regular meeting

• Staff reports
• Mayor’s report
• Council member reports
• Food bank presentation
• Council actions
• Mayor and council comments

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Barbara Blankfeld, Christopher Cooney, Justin Gould, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, and Sheri Sax. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Mike Cicero, asst. law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. The meeting ran for a little over two hours.

NOVEMBER 7, 2022, regular meeting

• Mayor’s report
• City council reports
• JCU wellness facility plan
• Other council action 
• Staff reports
• Committee reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Justin Gould, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, and Sheri Sax. Barbara Blankfeld was not present. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; Dennis Kennedy, finance director; and Joseph Ciuni, city engineer. The meeting ran for about two hours and twenty minutes.

Walter J. Stinson, 94, who served the city of University Heights for more than four decades as its community coordinator and senior services manager, died on Oct. 7. He is survived by Sara, his wife of 47 years, son Paul, and two grandchildren.

“Walter Stinson was a good man, and a great man. He loved this community, and he served this community like no other," said Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan. “He is an inspiration, and an example for us all.”

Stinson, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., moved to University Heights in 1973. Three years later, Mayor Irving Konigsberg hired him to become the city’s first community coordinator, where he promoted fair housing opportunities, welcomed new homeowners, encouraged neighborhood activities and planned senior citizen programs.

In an Oct. 14 ceremony, the city of University Heights and Knez Homes broke ground on the South Taylor Place townhomes.

When the project is completed, 30 new "luxury" townhomes will have been built, in clusters of three or four homes. Each will have a two-car garage, and some will feature rooftop decks with views of the Cleveland skyline.

“This progress has been a long time coming,” said University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan.

Were you wondering why Carlos Jones and the PLUS Band weren’t on the University Heights Summer Concert Series schedule this year? The legendary reggae band will be performing at Fall Fest, instead.

University Heights Fall Fest returns to Walter Stinson Community Park for a third year on Sunday, Oct. 2, from noon to 5 p.m.

Having grown up around fall festivals, Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said it has always been his goal to bring such an event to University Heights. “Our first Fall Fest was in 2019, and that was a great success for an inaugural event," said the mayor. "2021 was big, and we anticipate this year’s edition will be bigger and better than ever.

“Fall Fest is just another way for us to come together as a community.”

The official “University Heights Residential Rubbish and Recycling Collection Survey” hit mailboxes last month. All households are encouraged to participate and let their voices be heard.

The deadline to complete the survey is Sept. 9. The survey is also available online via a link at www.universityheights.com.

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District, in partnership with Resource Recycling Systems, is surveying residents regarding collection services to assist the city of University Heights in future decisions pertaining to collection methods, costs, efficiency and safety.

Deanna Bremer Fisher, the former publisher of the Heights Observer, has joined the team at University Heights City Hall, and she’s bringing more than 20 years of public service experience with her.

Bremer Fisher began work in mid-August as the new Executive Assistant to the Mayor for Special Projects.

“I aimed high when I recruited Deanna for this position,” said University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan. “She has a ton of experience. Deanna works hard and gets things done, and I am thrilled she is on board.”

Recognizing there’s always room for improvement, a new University Heights Charter Commission will spend the rest of 2022 and the first three months of 2023 studying, reviewing, and eventually proposing changes to, the city charter. 

University Heights voters will be given the opportunity to vote on any proposed changes in the 2023 General Election.

A science-fiction concert and movie doubleheader, a renowned world music band, and a mashup of Klezmer and Motown will wrap up the 2022 University Heights Summer Concert Series this August.

Aug. 4 – Oregon Space Trail of Doom / "It Came from Outer Space": With a sound that can only be properly described as absolute psychedelic madness, Oregon Space Trail of Doom’s rock and jazz jams recall some of the most experimental of the genre.

After the band's 7 p.m. show at Walter Stinson Community Park, concertgoers are in invited to stick around for a showing of the science-fiction classic movie, "It Came from Outer Space."

The inaugural University Heights Juneteenth Celebration will take place on Sunday, June 19, 1:30–8:30 p.m., at Walter Stinson Community Park.

Juneteenth is the holiday commemorating the end of slavery by marking the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free.

Last year, after Juneteenth became a national holiday, Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan called for the establishment of a Citizens Committee to plan for an annual celebration. Geoff Englebrecht swerved out of his lane as the city’s director of Housing and Community Development to help organize the city’s celebration.

“For both visitors and residents, I am hoping they are both educated and entertained during the event,” Englebrecht said. “I believe the Juneteenth celebration will help showcase the city as a great place to visit, and will give residents something they will be able to enjoy and look forward to every year.”

The parade was wiped out in 2020 due to the pandemic. When the pandemic lingered into spring 2021, the parade was postponed until Independence Day.

With the return to normal, the annual University Heights parade will return to its proper place on the calendar, Memorial Day, and take place this year on Monday, May 30.

Beginning at 11 a.m., the parade will travel east on Silsby Road, then head south on South Belvoir Boulevard, before ending at John Carroll University.

This year’s parade will feature crowd favorites, including stilt walkers from Pickup Stix, the rocket car and Batmobile from Euclid Beach Rocket Car, musical entertainment from the Heights High Marching Band, and more.

In his fourth State of the City address, delivered Feb. 9, University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan played some greatest hits, before introducing songs from the new album. Or, rather, the newly re-elected mayor of University Heights offered new policy initiatives and events.

Brennan recapped some accomplishments of his first four years, including the creation of an Economic Development Department, the successes of the rebuilt Finance Department, and the new homes being constructed. Brennan said he’s especially proud of how the city “persevered through the pandemic,” while refocusing on racial and social justice.

“It is not a complete catalog,” Brennan said. “It speaks of greatest hits, and doesn’t even explore the deep tracks.”

University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan introduced his proposed 2022 budget—the “Putting People First” budget—on Jan. 10. It next moves to UH City Council, for consideration.

“My budget priorities are what University Heights residents have been asking for over the last few years,” said Brennan.

“Residents want us to do something about flooding. They deserve to have roads fixed. And they insist on a modern and sustainable approach to improved recycling. It’s also time to make new city facilities a reality.

“I’ve heard the residents, and their priorities are my priorities—indeed they are the City’s priorities”

The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out most city-sponsored activities in University Heights in 2020. Lingering public-health orders also canceled the city’s annual Memorial Day parade this year. But the city plans to make up for lost time and lost events by hosting its first-ever University Heights Fourth of July Parade.

The July 4 parade will begin at 11 a.m. Recently retired police lieutenant Dale Orians will serve as Grand Marshal.

The event will feature many returning participants from past parades in University Heights, including Judge Frankie Goldberg, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Color Guard, Church of the Gesu members, Steve Ostrow’s Dixieland Band, City Dogs, CH-UH Board of Education members, the University Heights Library, Pickup-stix Stilt Walkers, members of UH City Council, and Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan.

Summer is back, and so is the University Heights Summer Concert Series. “We’re going to avenge the lost summer of 2020 with our greatest and most eclectic lineup in city history,” said University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan.

The 2021 season starts July 1 at John Carroll University, then moves to Walter Stinson Community Park for all remaining shows. All shows begin at 7 p.m.

July 1: University Heights Symphonic Band and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The holiday weekend starts on Thursday night with the University Heights Symphonic Band playing under the stars at the quad at John Carroll University. Fresh off its 50th anniversary, the band will perform patriotic favorites, plus movie soundtrack selections.