Parking, Housing, Road Improvements Highlight Mayor Stephens' Impromptu State of The City

Mayor Cheryl Stephens gave residents of Cleveland Heights a somewhat impromptu State of the City address at Monday’s City Council meeting.

The new mayor noted the tradition of giving such an address, but opted to give one “without a lot of pomp and circumstance” toward the end of Monday’s meeting.

Mayor Stephens applauded the community for voting yes to Issue 53, which increases city income tax from two percent to 2.25 percent. “We are better because of your investment in us,” Stephens added. “Your generosity to this government is very impressive and very much appreciated.”

Stephens also spoke positively about recently promoted safety officers, and new police chief Annette Mecklenburg, who was sworn in February 1. Communication between police and the community has been boosted with the use of a separate police webpage, bike patrols and “Meet the Police” events.

Lee Road, Cedar Road and Noble Road were listed as due to receive improvements in 2016 going into 2017. Meanwhile, negotiations continue with the Cleveland Department of Water to transfer Cleveland Heights’ Water Department over to Cleveland. “We hope to finalize that transition this year, and in the long term we hope to control that cost even more,” said Stephens.

The mayor wants to improve parking around the city, with a meeting scheduled for next month. The improvements, which would involve different options for coins and development of apps, would be focused in the Cedar-Lee, Cedar-Fairmount and Coventry Village districts. Stephens added that they plan to deliver something by the summer.

Stephens pointed to an improved housing market, including inspections that have prevented further slum properties. She referred to housing as Cleveland Heights’ “primary product” and took pride in the properties being upgraded upon sales.

Cleveland Heights had a $200,000 income tax windfall in 2015, which Stephens called “non-recurring revenues” that will not repeat themselves in 2016. However, she remained optimistic about the city’s year to come. "When life is tough, we become a team," Stephens said. "And as a community, we face things head on."

You can watch Mayor Stephens' entire remarks from Monday below.