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.
Van Aken Bike Striping Project
The committee will consider a construction management contract with QCI for the Van Aken bike striping project. Good construction oversight can keep the bike lanes built to spec and on schedule.
Service Center Fuel Tank Replacement
Public Works wants to use NEORSD Community Cost Share money for replacing the fuel tank at the Service Center. Using outside cost-share funding could reduce the burden on Shaker Heights taxpayers.
Pool Fees
Pool fees determine what residents pay for swimming access. Any changes discussed could affect family recreation budgets.
Historic review of window replacement at 19014 Winslow Road
The board rejected plain replacement windows on a historic Aldersyde Road home, signaling that window style and grids matter when your house has historic character. Homeowners with older homes should expect pushback on generic window swaps.
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.
Animal control and kenneling services
A two-year contract with A&S Animal Control covers stray dogs, dead deer, wildlife complaints, and dog-bite coordination with police. It's the only company that bid, but residents reportedly like the service.
Mayors/Managers 911 Fund
The council was scheduled to discuss the Mayors/Managers 911 fund, which relates to regional emergency dispatch funding among area municipalities.
Committee Name Change
With duties now spanning 14 parks, pavilions, fields and playground maintenance, the Recreation Department is getting a name that matches its work. Costs are minimal; committee names will change too.
Community Empowerment Grant 2027
The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the 2026 Community Empowerment Grant program, which funds community-led initiatives. No outcome is on the record.
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.
Shaker Life magazine editor contract
The city's magazine is how most residents say they learn what's happening in Shaker Heights, so who edits it matters for keeping everyone informed. The proposed deal is a one-year, $67,000 contract for 2027 with an option to renew for two more years.
Shaker Life advertising sales management
The committee was also set to recommend a contract for the magazine's advertising manager, whose work supports roughly $216,000 in annual ad revenue that helps offset the magazine's cost.
New single-family house at 3305 Lee Road
A developer wants to build a new house on a lot just north of the police station parking lot. The board gave preliminary design feedback on windows, brick returns and colors before the plans come back.
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.
South Park Boulevard addition design character
A large addition at 17250 South Park Boulevard drew debate over whether mixed materials — stone, board and batten, white vinyl windows — depart too much from the home's mid-century modern character. The board continued the case to see softened color studies.
2026–2031 Animal Control RFP
The city is putting out a request for proposals for animal control services through 2031. This shapes how residents get help with animal issues for years to come.
Construction observation services 2027–2029
The city is lining up outside construction observation services for projects over the next three years. It's about making sure public construction work is done right and on budget.
Drone Delivery Regulation
Amazon delivery drones are now flying over Shaker Heights, prompting the city to update local rules to protect residents' privacy and safety. If you live here, expect new regulations soon on how these automated delivery devices operate above your backyard.
Citywide pavement condition assessment
Council is saving money doing pothole repairs in-house — $170,000 this year — but repairs have doubled to 104 and members Kaus and Alvarez said the repaving budget, unchanged in a decade at $2 million, needs a big increase in the next budget.
Police vehicle upfitting contract
After years of problems with other vendors, police will use Fallsway Equipment as their sole cruiser upfitter for two years, about $25,000 per car for roughly 10 vehicles.
Solar panels on historic landmark homes
Two solar projects came before the board: one on Shaker Boulevard was approved with conditions, while panels on a Coventry Road home were continued over placement around the eyebrow dormers. The homeowner argued the city promotes solar, so panel counts shouldn't be reduced.
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.
Composting program growth
The city's drop-off composting program feeds the Rust Belt Riders operation at Rathlin Soils in Lorain, but hauling distance raises costs. Backyard composting is being promoted as a no-transport alternative — and the $5 permit fee is gone; just call Public Works.
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.
Police Oversight
An independent investigation cleared the Shaker Heights police chief of most misconduct claims, helping put a messy department drama to rest. It's a big relief for local leadership, but it definitely leaves some residents wondering about true police accountability.
Infrastructure Delay
That major Shaker Heights sewer project is dragging on and won't be done until the end of the year, bringing more traffic detours and headaches for locals. Get ready for months of extra construction delays in your daily commute.
Lynnfield RTA Station stabilization
Two grant applications totaling $45,000 would begin stabilizing the vacant, deteriorating 1922 station — a local landmark that's been empty for a decade. More money will be needed to finish the job.
SEIU organizers cited at Bellefaire JCB picket
Two union organizers said police cited them for disturbing the peace at their final Bellefaire JCB picket without warning, and asked whether the city is protecting workers or corporate interests. Council members pointed them to the formal complaint process.
Elevator issues affecting tenants with disabilities
The board was scheduled to discuss how elevator problems impact tenants with disabilities. Reliable elevators are essential for residents with mobility limitations to access their homes. No record of the discussion or any action is available.
Fall fair housing training
The board was scheduled to report on past and future education and outreach, including possible landlord trainings and tenant-focused sessions.
Potential real property transaction
Council met behind closed doors to discuss a potential purchase, sale, or development of real property. No details are public because disclosure could affect bargaining.
Healthcare consulting services contract
The city was weighing a contract with Taylor Oswald for healthcare consulting services — advice that could affect how the city manages employee health benefits and what those benefits cost. Those costs flow into the city budget and, ultimately, what taxpayers pay.
$200,000 CDBG grant for Hampstead Road resurfacing
The city is applying for a $200,000 CDBG grant — no local match needed — toward the roughly $403,000 repaving of Hampstead Avenue between East 154th and Lee Road in Moreland, currently slated for 2027.
Surveillance Cameras
Mysterious 'Big Brother' posters have popped up around Shaker Heights to protest the city's new Flock surveillance cameras. Officials are now pushing back against the backlash as residents debate the ongoing trade-off between public safety and personal privacy.
Police Lateral Eligibility List changes
The commission was asked to consider removing certain candidates from the lateral entry eligibility list used to hire experienced officers.
Senior Well Call program
The City is building a volunteer program making daily wellness phone calls to isolated seniors, partnering with Meals on Wheels, the library, Parks and Rec, and EMS data to find those who need help.
In-house road and sewer repair program
Doing concrete work in-house saved about $170,000 this year, but pothole repairs doubled to 104 — and council members want the repaving budget, set 10 years ago, increased.
Bulk item pickup program
Residents will soon be able to schedule free backyard pickup of up to three large items like furniture and appliances. The pilot runs August 1 through October 31, 2026; from 2027, two free pickups per year with $150 for extras, plus quarterly Service Center drop-offs.
Committee Restructuring
The committee is considering changes to its own structure, which could affect how community and culture programs are organized and prioritized in Shaker Heights.
2026 Preservation Awards
The commission reviewed 15 nominated home restoration projects and chose which deserve this year's Preservation Awards. Awards celebrate homeowners who maintain the historic character of Shaker Heights housing stock.
Rehabilitation of Reeds of Light, Shaker Town Center
An existing public art piece at Shaker Town Center, Reeds of Light, needs rehabilitation work. The task force was scheduled for an update on its condition and next steps.
Lee Road Murals
The task force was scheduled for an update on the Lee Road Murals project, part of the city's public art presence along a key corridor.
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.
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.
Athletic Field Expansion Lawsuit
Shaker Heights neighbors are keeping up their fight against University School's stadium project, pushing forward with a lawsuit over the athletic field upgrades. This ongoing dispute highlights the tension between private school expansion and community preservation.
Firefighter Health and Safety — Gear Cleaning Equipment
The fire department's 30-year-old washers and dryers for turnout gear are near the end of their life. Gear washed promptly removes carcinogens that would otherwise be reabsorbed through firefighters' skin. A FEMA grant would cover 90% of the $75,000 replacement cost.
Neighbor's Art Shop & Studio conditional use permit and parking variance
A new art studio with classes for kids and adults is coming to the Kingsbury Building at 3431 Lee Road. The board approved the permit and a parking variance, and City Council must confirm before it's final.
Torrington culvert replacement
The culvert between South Woodland and Parkland is beyond its useful life; design gets underway now so construction can be bid in early 2027. Torrington is a key route for school buses and fire apparatus.