[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6231647,"mediaKeyId","3429024-fac270eb1b784b03ade783fe89bef483","parentId",3429024,"title","Council approves contract with L&E Group to pursue federal funds for sewer separation and park restrooms","audioSeconds",294,"startMs",3353000,"endMs",3647000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3429024-fac270eb1b784b03ade783fe89bef483&start=3353&end=3647","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3429024-fac270eb1b784b03ade783fe89bef483/thumbnail_3353000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6231647/Ohio/Council-approves-contract-with-LE-Group-to-pursue-federal-funds-for-sewer-separation-and-park-restrooms","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231647-f8e3720975bc442d8233ab1f4d8d1bdf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770837909&Signature=D4eEfiwNXZdtPJxRUDEZd4cYx1skCGojHdqMw3elzS-Z4F81fAn6-hd8PKNe3A2wUVKEQ-0P-agSP0Y3rarWPvFPzG31eLcJeKESQl~yMtIRJ1Qwf0gPulcOIjnKvMphVGUJaYnzP4pDYb3j4RkvElJy77HDIF~ShRjoLg-DECDFr8It1ht96nF7JAh2~lXbRgADQBxT6J6SIs0Xijqjt0ehzd5E9cb8PFsBc4W16WEMoEyISrmwU~yYRROSlnEpmXaszcuOYsB4pVtttqzDDAFtdTKlUKihMutuJ7HQ0t1JBURhHe83btBgS6SD27A3k~LurL4mvn4lHb2VQs3kKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of University Heights OH","date","2025-05-21T21:03:20.73Z","article","University Heights City Council on Monday authorized a professional services arrangement to retain L&E Group to pursue federal appropriations for two capital projects: a manhole/sewer separation project and restrooms/electrical upgrades at Walter Stinson Community Park.

Administration staff said L&E Group previously worked on the city’s behalf and that timelines for federal appropriations (congressionally directed spending and senator offices’ lists) required immediate action — one senator’s submission deadline fell the week after the meeting. The city has already secured some state funds for the manhole separation work (staff said about $700,000 in state money exists for the project), and L&E will resume outreach to the congressional delegation to seek federal support. The contract was approved and the mayor was authorized to sign; staff noted there is approximately $23,000 available in the current budget for lobbying services.

Councilmember Weiser raised questions about a related park restroom scope and cost increases: she observed the project estimate increased from about $90,000 in early 2023 to approximately $305,000 in the current packet and asked staff to confirm the scope and whether the city was “gold plating” the work. Staff responded that the higher number reflects an expanded scope that includes additional restrooms and electrical upgrades at the park’s gazebo to eliminate the need for portable generators during events.

Council approved the motion to retain L&E Group and direct immediate lobbying outreach to the congressional delegation and senators.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council - April 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City council authorized the mayor to retain L&E Group to lobby for congressional allocations for the manhole separation project and restrooms at Walter Stinson Community Park, citing tight federal submission deadlines.","taxTitle","University Heights City Council, University Heights, Cuyahoga County, Ohio","taxId",71902,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6231651,"City agrees to HAWK pedestrian signals for Orangeville Center Road; grant covers estimated cost",194,3151000,3345000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3429024-fac270eb1b784b03ade783fe89bef483&start=3151&end=3345","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3429024-fac270eb1b784b03ade783fe89bef483/thumbnail_3151000.jpg","/articles/6231651/Ohio/City-agrees-to-HAWK-pedestrian-signals-for-Orangeville-Center-Road-grant-covers-estimated-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231651-b9c5e217899441135915e954a0c65a82/orig.mp4?Expires=1770837909&Signature=dAz3pKgUjNWC5qjVhoZ-Re0mj4bVTIoKYiHMFuTeHgHxtM0RCfwiYUjk3~sTGIbBQXSc-nG5OsIpytJCvwISrknwk0SpY6nwDSVDmx2bZWVQl4mYqwZZ5~MSroPm4lPeuvAi5nQW389hyvp2GXhhkzDMNvXs6bsrg8tL1ZjjQbCzLeGP9~1Un94t6EurnBwqFA5a86UdOuDTsapi~-stKc~WQ2d6p1XeMDq5lo4mAjppTr4c3ado~pT~vsXxCeISsxowC-D25ZTuiR8GkYT-OoZRvUr~v5V3dSWuchAT0d4im3fAtEXa4iTAAkhUfcIDc9VUi3DfVtAgSoeudN6Ssg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","University Heights City Council on Monday passed a resolution asking Cuyahoga County to proceed with resurfacing Orangeville Center Road from Fairmount Boulevard to Mayfield Road and to include two HAWK (High‑Intensity Activated crossWalK) pedestrian signals at Hillbrook Road and Tramore (Trainmore/Tranmore) Road as part of the project’s final design.

City staff told council the two HAWK signals are estimated at about $250,000 total ($125,000 each). The city has been awarded a NOACA safety grant of $251,000 intended to cover those improvements; staff said the city would not have to pay for the signals as long as final bids come in at or below the grant amount. If bid costs exceed the grant, the city would be responsible for the difference.

During discussion councilmembers asked about the HAWK locations and whether midblock or corner crossings were appropriate; staff said preliminary plans contemplate corner crossings to improve pedestrian access and reduce problematic midblock installations that have performed poorly elsewhere. The resolution directs county staff to include the HAWK signals in design and to proceed with project bidding. The motion passed by roll call.","Council adopted a resolution asking Cuyahoga County to include HAWK pedestrian signals at two intersections in the county resurfacing project for Orangeville Center Road and accepted a NOACA safety grant that is expected to cover the estimated signal cost.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6231655,"Council approves FGMA master‑planning step after heated debate over Wylie site and project scope",2430,2699000,5129000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3429024-fac270eb1b784b03ade783fe89bef483&start=2699&end=5129","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3429024-fac270eb1b784b03ade783fe89bef483/thumbnail_2699000.jpg","/articles/6231655/Ohio/Council-approves-FGMA-masterplanning-step-after-heated-debate-over-Wylie-site-and-project-scope","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231655-80d3dc994c4d5373385b99d3529b47bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770837909&Signature=YBDRoHbUVkMu6Nc7PWAO2x8HbyqxLJTQ4-0GVf9iKh6DtL1uwR3t1hnfDie3y8N4MXmyv9GkyYWg3KTfsHQaknjj5lyu7jRDirgfSPpsQquHdHHwo8wjYXVtOFHuaEWjwBE5JDEBIpujLL2-owG2tpoA8GekY7C487noCBGL08e7AxusvPGBSPLua4d7mAfYr2-f0Tn7WOLJ9qarvkEg-kXIyRv42NlG8MpUuBABR7LPCtYQmMdhqVpj0PYZIraNMAMGjLLxVY78PBfm0DYQXUvSQGD7Z7xccvmVJ8peU47-kDF8LW3iBHA0nbxotnUOLQTXQKym2ozBzlLa5YOnkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","University Heights City Council on Monday authorized FGMA Architects to proceed with the next phase of municipal facilities planning — directing the firm to prepare three alternative master plans and estimates of probable cost — after extended debate over site options, project scope and cost.

FGMA’s program summary, presented by Bill Eberhard, described three master‑plan alternatives: (1) relocate the service department to the Wylie site (the former school facility), (2) relocate some or all city‑hall functions to Wylie temporarily or permanently, or (3) retain or rebuild facilities at the Silsbee and Warrensville site with variations that preserve, expand or replace the existing city hall. Eberhard cautioned the council that cost figures in the program summary were “very preliminary” and did not include site demolition or all site development costs; he said comparisons with a nearby pre‑engineered service building showed very different cost profiles (\"7 Hills spent $120 a square foot for that facility\").

Councilmembers raised two central concerns. First, several asked that FGMA use a “right‑sized” program rather than a larger wish list — council member Rock and others sought a more modest baseline (the packet included an earlier “10/14” program described by some as bare bones and a later “2/7” program with larger spaces). Second, multiple councilmembers said control or acquisition of the Wylie land was critical to some alternatives; Councilmember Weiser urged the mayor and administration to pursue written negotiations with the school board for the Wylie land so master planning would be useful. Mayor Michael Dolan Bridal opposed characterization that he was unwilling to pursue Wylie and said negotiating positions and fiscal realism (including the city’s proposed borrowing plan) required more council clarity.

The council then voted to approve FGMA’s space‑program summary and authorized FGMA to proceed with master plans and probable‑cost estimates. Vice Mayor and multiple councilmembers stressed that approval of planning work does not obligate the city to construct all proposed buildings and that phasing and right‑sizing will follow detailed master‑plan results. The motion passed by roll call.","Council approved FGMA Architects’ needs assessment and authorized three master‑plan alternatives, while members continued to debate whether the city should pursue the Wylie property for service, temporary city‑hall uses or full relocation and how to right‑size buildings within the city’s available budget.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6231660,"Council Advances John Carroll University CRA application after updated revenue terms",1037,1632000,2669000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3429024-fac270eb1b784b03ade783fe89bef483&start=1632&end=2669","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3429024-fac270eb1b784b03ade783fe89bef483/thumbnail_1632000.jpg","/articles/6231660/Ohio/Council-Advances-John-Carroll-University-CRA-application-after-updated-revenue-terms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231660-b3354177d2d14891a0070a3c5285e6c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770837909&Signature=fC5fDAixvOfajty5WLEIc~3bBBhUpps~lcFcarBe0~1u0MVBll532dBgR~iRLHbmZGVNLmbeY9m1pExUMVodNdbNv2-401xHPxUqO0kqqP~4ehvu19yfr2IrLloF-k9hybHqbR3dBs9QrS9jMTsNKLSb7K7ArdarYUXAiasR74QKlyK-QVEMlpF40Ws8ZSIY6SpMP9G676Dh1wVMQYfJPvFZC0A5Khp~n3YAZgyG3YPGKG2IjFE46XwnjKcZrk9PCR-l83GDNF0G5ORlJxQDBZvao56SKRG-ZGeda~s7QYzQ4U-JWA5qzefg3pGTgxAibla8EtIgtAfq-I4w~mKDLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","University Heights City Council voted Monday to advance John Carroll University’s Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) application, approving an updated exhibit and directing staff to forward the application and supporting materials to the school district for the required notice period.

The vote followed discussion of updated percentage terms and estimates of the revenue the city could receive if the retail parcel becomes taxable. Jeremiah Swittle, assistant vice president of facilities and auxiliary services at John Carroll University, told the council the university expects to break ground in May and said, “We really honor and cherish our commitment to the community at University Heights and the partnership with the city and city administration.”

Council members and staff discussed multiple numbers during debate, including the percentage used in the exhibit, estimates of the 15-year abatement amount, and projected income‑tax benefits from new jobs at the site. Finance Director Steve Kennedy noted parcels owned by John Carroll are currently tax exempt and that only the retail portion of the planned development would become taxable. Councilmember Stumpf estimated the retail portion could generate roughly $37,000 to $65,000 in annual income‑tax receipts; Councilmember Cooney observed the city would move from receiving little or no property tax on those parcels to receiving property taxes if the retail parcel is taxable.

Council members also said they appreciated John Carroll’s adjustments to the application. Mackenzie, managing director at Hydramo Companies (working with the university), said the university expects additional retail build‑out costs and that tax incentives can help attract tenants that “benefit the community.” The council voted to approve the motion to proceed; the item will return to the council agenda for formal approval of the CRA agreement at the first council meeting in May, after the school board notice period and any required school board review.

The action does not finalize a tax‑abatement contract; it advances the procedural steps required under the statute cited in the application packet. Councilmembers who spoke emphasized both the potential new income tax revenue and their concern about long‑term impacts on city revenue and city capital priorities. The vote to advance the application was recorded by roll call and passed.","University Heights City Council voted to advance a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) application with revised exhibits from John Carroll University, sending the materials to the school board and scheduling final council consideration in May.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves contract with L&E Group to pursue federal funds for sewer separation and park restrooms

City agrees to HAWK pedestrian signals for Orangeville Center Road; grant covers estimated cost

Council approves FGMA master‑planning step after heated debate over Wylie site and project scope

Council Advances John Carroll University CRA application after updated revenue terms