Cedar-Lee Garage Fully Open During Marquee Rebuild

As reconstruction begins on The Marquee following January’s fire, the Cedar-Lee District is seeing renewed energy—including the reopening of the Cedar-Lee parking garage. The main (north) stairwell is now fully accessible, with safety boards removed, and elevator repairs at the south stairwell are complete. Both stairwells and the elevator are fully operational, ensuring convenient access throughout the district during the rebuild.

Façade Ordinance to Receive Second Reading at August 4 Council Meeting

A proposed ordinance to improve the safety of building façades in Cleveland Heights will receive its Second Reading at the City Council meeting on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 7:30 PM.

The ordinance would require:

• Regular safety inspections of front exterior façades by structural engineers.

• Mandatory inspections for “Historic Commercial Buildings” and “Substantial Structures”—defined as multi-level structures at least two stories or 20 feet tall and 30 years or older.

• Single-, two-, and three-family residential homes are not subject to the proposed requirements.

The ordinance was prompted by two incidents in summer 2024, when concrete and brick fell from commercial buildings onto sidewalks. Thankfully, no injuries occurred, but the events highlighted a clear need for action.

“Passage of this is vital to the safety of the city’s commercial districts,” said Chief Building Official Eric Elmi. “Last summer’s façade failures were a serious warning that something needs to be done.”

If passed, Cleveland Heights would join other cities like Lakewood and Cleveland in adopting façade safety regulations for aging buildings. “This will hopefully provide peace of mind to business owners and visitors alike,” Elmi added.

An evening to celebrate—and a look at what’s ahead for Denison Park

On Tuesday, August 5, we invite you to join us at Denison Park for an evening of celebration, connection, and community pride. We’ll kick things off with a free youth soccer clinic at 6 pm, followed by a special field event at 7 pm on our newly installed synthetic turf field.

This event is more than a ribbon-cutting—it’s a milestone in a broader transformation underway at Denison Park. Over the past several months, the City has been investing in long-awaited improvements that reflect residents’ voices, needs, and aspirations for accessible, high-quality public space.

We hope to see you on August 5!

Leadership Requires Preparation

Cleveland Heights is preparing for a mayoral transition, an important moment that calls for focus, transparency, and a shared understanding of what’s at stake.

The role of mayor in Cleveland Heights is not ceremonial—it carries executive authority over departments, daily city operations, and implementation of a legislative vision crafted in collaboration with City Council. Preparedness matters. To date, none of the current mayoral candidates have reached out to City Hall or department directors to seek briefings, operational context, or updates on key initiatives. That lack of engagement is notable, given the scope of responsibility that comes with the office.

When Mayor Kahlil Seren assumed office in 2022, he became the city’s first strong mayor under our updated Charter. He worked closely with longtime City Administrator Susanna Neirmann O’Neil to ensure a smooth and stable transition of executive authority—preserving institutional knowledge and continuity of service for Cleveland Heights residents.

In that same spirit of transparency and collaboration, Mayor Seren is inviting all current mayoral candidates to a public Round Table forum—an open opportunity for them to ask questions, discuss challenges, and better understand the operations, responsibilities, and ongoing efforts shaping our city. Candidates interested in participating or requesting a departmental briefing are encouraged to contact City Hall directly.

Residents are also invited to learn more and hear directly from the candidates at the following independently run events:

🌿 Neighborhood Q&A at Delmore Orchard

Tuesday, August 5 · 6:30 PM

3822 Delmore Road, Cleveland Heights

Hosted by residents. Submit questions in advance at the Noble Library.

🎤 Mayoral Candidate Forum

Thursday, August 7 · 6:00–8:00 PM

Cleveland Heights Community Center, 1 Monticello Blvd

Presented by the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland (CH-UH Chapter)

• Live-stream: youtube.com/live/z0-g48JfumM?feature=share
• Recording posted after: youtube.com/@lwvgreatercleveland
• Email questions (in advance or during): heights@lwvgreatercleveland.org

City Hall stands ready to support a smooth and informed transition—whenever it may come. But it starts with dialogue, participation, and a willingness to listen—now, not later.

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