Shaker Heights · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Shaker Heights public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Tree Planting Programs
Public Works cleared invasive trees from the Doan Brook floodplain at South Park and Courtland, and volunteers will plant about 100 native trees and plants on September 26 at Grow Not Mow Site 2.
Recycling pilot program and Ohio EPA grant
Residents who say the five-gallon recycling buckets are too small could soon get bigger containers through a $67,500 state-funded pilot in one neighborhood (Fernway), with the city contributing $22,500. If the grant isn't awarded, the purchase won't happen — a change made after a committee member's objection.
Residential recycling program expansion
The city is switching large-dumpster disposal to the county's cheaper program and extending its recycling consortium membership through 2028, keeping quarterly large-item drop-offs alive and possibly adding a one-time pickup pilot.
Deer population management
The state is launching a new deer survey. The last Shaker Heights census was in 2014, and White Buffalo recommends a drone-based survey repeated every 2-3 years to guide future management decisions.
Residential solar installation approval
The board approved rooftop solar panels at 3175 Ludlow Road, part of a growing number of solar approvals in the city. Panel placement is constrained by string-inverter technology requiring groups of at least four panels.
LEED for Cities recertification progress
The city is chasing gold certification, working category by category. It expects strong scores on walkability and water use but will lose points on transit service trends it can't control and on certain accessibility metrics.
Light pollution working group
A push for less intrusive, warmer street lighting is moving forward with a public kickoff meeting September 29. It will likely require a zoning change — a months-long process with three readings.
Declining recycling and waste diversion
For the first time in the study period, 2024 saw more city waste landfilled than diverted. Bigger recycling bins, a new bulk truck, and composting expansion are in the works, and policy ideas like responsible procurement are on the table.
LEED gold status at risk in recertification
The city earned gold-level LEED certification in 2021, but updated scorecard rules suggest it may land in silver this time around. Policy changes on light pollution, transit, and energy could close the gap.
Doan Brook water quality monitoring
The Doan Brook Watershed Partnership monitors 16 sites year-round, tracking salt, chloride, and phosphate levels, with more phosphate information coming.
LED streetlight conversion and light pollution
About 20 brighter 4000K fixtures went in before the city switched to warmer 3000K standards; replacing them would cost $1,400 each, with $150 light shields as an option. The full 4,000-light LED conversion starts in 2027.