[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6589026,"mediaKeyId","5448242-e9e57076820bd82391aca8975383cb59","parentId",5448242,"title","Lakewood outlines roughly $8M plan to renovate Winterhurst Ice Arena; programming growing","audioSeconds",3162,"startMs",3135000,"endMs",6297000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448242-e9e57076820bd82391aca8975383cb59&start=3135&end=6297","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448242-e9e57076820bd82391aca8975383cb59/thumbnail_3135000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6589026/Lakewood/Cuyahoga-County/Ohio/Lakewood-outlines-roughly-8M-plan-to-renovate-Winterhurst-Ice-Arena-programming-growing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6589026-8cec6d698f07ca5c6fa63dd3ae235005/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151121&Signature=UMGIZRxnCFVp-R3mGMTRTPMFsPUfeIE2joC0vQjTusW~dcyQJ7OLMGEul65qC1tieWoAEvtLfNgZ8kp0laFUD7sAix-M15S3HMaiuc4idXigO18hjoqw~EPrG8EdR0oH3kQ~0eR9-jGbWGw4f7ZyI4AuNerikljPW~gSM3QNfjeTJwrZW0YkncJ8FleInA4MWpAsdIcoQYnHXG3ayfdVYq2-cIfcydagoO2lqvf~0tZR6IJIVz5kGPtNehv3txK0iSqayIsK21i-AAJetHryMUlzN4XQIMtYT8dQXBWwAXV2OdyuGuofFIw4pr98yhoZakEAfs4u4JKeS-k3K9uouA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lakewood, Ohio","date","2025-07-22T06:34:20.893Z","article","City staff gave Lakewood City Council and the finance committee a detailed update July 21 on planned capital investments at Winterhurst Ice Arena, describing a multiyear, phased program of mechanical upgrades, locker-room and spectator improvements, programming expansion and site upgrades estimated to total roughly $8 million over coming years.

Assistant Director (planning/parks) Russ Boss presented a timeline and budget that begins with earlier work completed in 2023 (reopening work and an ice-plant/mechanical replacement) and moves into a 2025–2026 slate of construction: a locker-room addition to provide more and modern changing rooms, new ADA-accessible spectator stands, an indoor off-ice training/turf area, upgraded scoreboards (paid by NOPEC), and repairs to a concrete frost-heaving problem in a service corridor that damaged rink boards. The city also described a planned HVAC replacement and potential metal-roof work that would move forward after the next budget cycle and additional engineering work.

Key elements and immediate costs reported at the meeting:

- Locker room / rink renovation and spectator stands: the general-contractor package for that phase is about $2.1 million. The design creates eight full locker rooms (each with toilet and showers), a separate Lakewood High School locker room, referee facilities, four fire‑rated storage rooms under the stands and an elevator to make the mezzanine accessible. A second-floor sports‑medicine/fitness/turf warm‑up area of roughly 5,500 square feet is included in the plan.

- Ice plant and mechanical replacement: completed in prior phases; earlier work added about $2.1 million to capital spending.

- Short-term repairs and upgrades this year: remediation of a frost‑heave/flooding problem in the service trench adjacent to the ice plant; new high‑definition LED video scoreboards funded by NOPEC; replacement of benches and other building maintenance items.

- HVAC replacement and metal roof work: Assistant Director Boss described the HVAC equipment as aging (some units approaching 30–50 years), with long lead times for replacement; an initial planning and cost estimate is being developed for the 2026 budget cycle. Roof work is under consideration in subsequent years.

Programming and operations: Lakewood Community Ice (LCI), the city-contracted operator, reported rapidly expanding programming, including a full contracted learn‑to‑skate program, expanded summer sessions, a “mini monsters” youth hockey program run with the Cleveland Monsters that exceeded participation expectations, and restored public‑open‑skate hours and other drop‑in opportunities. The operator provided a profit-and-loss snapshot showing Winterhurst returned to profitability after pandemic-related and mechanical shutdowns, and noted the facility maintains an operating reserve managed jointly by LCI and the city.

Public comments and council discussion focused on neighborhood outreach, ensuring strong resident access to programs, and equity of access for Lakewood residents. Council members asked about resident vs. nonresident participation and the city’s ability to track ZIP code data at point of sale; staff said registration systems can provide some of those breakdowns for programs, and the mini‑monsters program had included scholarships and equipment distribution to lower economic barriers.

Finance committee action: The finance committee recommended city council adopt the proposed third‑quarter transfers ordinance that provides funding consistent with the FY2025 budget (transfers of existing budgeted dollars to Winterhurst and other funds). The transfers ordinance was then adopted by the full council.

Why it matters: Winterhurst is a high‑use regional facility. The work is intended to improve visitor experience, ADA access, and the arena’s long‑term mechanical reliability. Assistant Director Boss said the investment aims to position Winterhurst as a “premier rink” in the Cleveland region while keeping year‑round public programming intact during phased construction.

Next steps: Construction is phased so the facility can continue to operate. Temporary seating and locker rooms will be used while crews build the permanent addition; work on the new stands is expected to occur during the winter season and be complete the following summer. Staff will return with design details and budget requests for the HVAC work in the 2026 budget cycle.

Ending: Councilmembers praised the operator and staff for growing programming and pledged to keep coordinating outreach to ensure Lakewood residents benefit from the expanded offerings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lakewood City Council Livestream 7/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented a phased, multiyear capital plan for Winterhurst Ice Arena that includes locker-room additions, major mechanical work, replacement scoreboards paid by NOPEC, and a new sports‑medicine/warm‑up space.","taxTitle","Lakewood, Cuyahoga County, Ohio","taxId",5453,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6589030,"Lakewood council adopts Complete Streets process, creates advisory board",1551,8054000,9605000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448242-e9e57076820bd82391aca8975383cb59&start=8054&end=9605","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448242-e9e57076820bd82391aca8975383cb59/thumbnail_8054000.jpg","/articles/6589030/Lakewood/Cuyahoga-County/Ohio/Lakewood-council-adopts-Complete-Streets-process-creates-advisory-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6589030-81a11b481d0f00483855721bd23384f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151121&Signature=D~Kj3SUUWv~8LmA58DU4Sfur7mIUUo3amP4m~piGforXiV0ZoS0tw5MLz8engpZSbbXrP5KjS~lxjHMYJ~R3guRf59coeEDYNerAU9ZILSNNg~bU3QmVyO0aEW~YfNa9wiBTfHavLscs5ttq3r8-mXvD75bRFRaLpETqQrjHWkjxMBDPl8Mu8HJXLeNOxnxCcQ9x~jbqRcRTVw8Y7emX2~C~3nY5YM3cBtsebWB~MfWpYCaoENavZWHRyoYCALwWK6fukstG9FwCLCDVJvvy7DyvGy9dQtnDK5SQWR2MkwJsH9n5PHknFPYUJXCeTAnOA3A6lSlmxPrggJMNuLlSgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakewood City Council voted July 21 to adopt a Complete Streets ordinance and to create a permanent Complete and Active Streets Education and Advisory Board,Formalizing a two-tier predesign and review process for major reconstruction projects and creating an ongoing advisory and education body to help implement the city’s Active Transportation Plan.

Council President Keppel and Vice President Baker led the council discussion, emphasizing the ordinance’s focus on establishing process rather than dictating design outcomes. The ordinance requires that large, priority “Tier 1” projects identified in the city’s Active Transportation Plan go through a Planning Commission predesign briefing to surface design options and public comment early in project development. Smaller “Tier 2” projects remain primarily an administrative responsibility but include additional internal review steps intended to improve coordination across public works, planning and other departments.

The council also adopted an ordinance creating the Complete and Active Streets Education and Advisory Board. The board will include members with lived experience as pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and people with disabilities; it will help prioritize projects, coordinate public outreach and support education initiatives such as crash-analysis training and school-focused walk/bike events.

Why it matters: Supporters said the change gives the public and Planning Commission an earlier, clearer voice when major street projects are designed. Opponents at the council meeting said the ordinance does not change the final decision authority — the administration and city engineer still make the ultimate design calls — and urged the city to ensure the process does not itself be used to block routine maintenance.

Public comment split along expected lines. Bike- and pedestrian-advocates praised the new process; neighbors from specific corridors pressed caution, saying proposed multimodal features (for example a shared-use path on a residential corridor) could bring safety, parking and environmental tradeoffs. Speakers who asked to be recorded in the public record included Rick Flair, who urged the council to move forward, and Amy Herberger, who described safety and notice concerns related to a proposed path on Bunts Road.

Council members stressed the ordinance does not guarantee any specific design outcome and removed emergency language from the ordinance text so it would not take immediate effect; instead, it will be implemented according to the schedule and triggers in the ordinance (for example, 2027 application to certain Tier 1 streets). The advisory board ordinance passed in the same meeting; sponsors said it will be a resource for planning staff and a bridge to neighborhood groups.

What’s next: The administration and Planning Commission will implement the predesign review process for qualifying projects. The council and administration said they expect continuing dialogue on particular corridors (several were referenced in public comment) as predesign materials are presented to the Planning Commission and open to public comment.

Speakers and attributions in this story were taken from the July 21 council meeting transcript.

Ending: Council members who supported the measures framed them as process reforms intended to expand early public input and departmental coordination; those who raised concerns urged careful, project-level outreach before design decisions are finalized.","Lakewood City Council voted July 21 to adopt a Complete Streets ordinance and to create a Complete and Active Streets Education and Advisory Board, formalizing early public review of major street projects and adding an ongoing advisory group.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6589012,"Votes at a glance: Lakewood City Council — July 21, 2025",3011,6829000,9840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448242-e9e57076820bd82391aca8975383cb59&start=6829&end=9840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448242-e9e57076820bd82391aca8975383cb59/thumbnail_6829000.jpg","/articles/6589012/Lakewood/Cuyahoga-County/Ohio/Votes-at-a-glance-Lakewood-City-Council-July-21-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6589012-ab60f23f325715a5494b1aed7d55dbb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151121&Signature=TeELUxs6hiiqT9c4NLb9nBoE4El52NCynsI1q61Of~kEAQaRKqRVzm7kXWHJB7R4TTg-Htup5bUwHtXNAkLNPuPfk45aNrDin-eR2fHmrTu4c7MNmkjIY1N8yE87hmtId-~BuEx1S3kF83Zzef1lnt7VmoFkjR6sAv26TabmgglCQRE2-jqRgCP5cfXn5P-f7nW3~cQg9tu8iqdJ9jpTYMZ3oabwRdzUHilT8PWP0NZ0Iu8fs2qQoRmPOkCaMp6ffjtLk0UJkZGPB0~W74fEwsxea7FAcWvcrD9IKjzpOf4-d5SoSkFd4rUWuOTosIo1wAaJvlNGg6Yp36d2sUZQAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Here are the formal actions taken by Lakewood City Council on July 21, 2025, drawn from the meeting record.

Passed / Adopted

- Minutes: Approved minutes for the July 7 Committee of the Whole and July 14 meeting without reading (voice votes).

- Ordinances / Resolutions enacted:
- Adopted Substitute Ordinance 16‑20‑25 (Complete Streets) — voice vote; emergency language removed before adoption.
- Adopted Substitute Ordinance 17‑20‑25 (Complete & Active Streets Education and Advisory Board) — voice vote.
- Adopted Ordinance 21‑20‑25 authorizing third‑quarter transfers consistent with the FY2025 budget (finance recommendation) — voice vote.
- Adopted Resolution 20‑25‑35 recognizing the Lakewood Rangers varsity baseball team for their 2025 season — unanimous voice vote.
- Adopted Resolution 20‑25‑36 thanking the Lakewood Community Recreation and Education Department as the 2025 Grand Marshal — unanimous voice vote.
- Adopted Resolution 20‑25‑37 authorizing acceptance of a Cuyahoga County planning grant for a public art master plan and approving the city match (estimated city match $14,500) — unanimous voice vote.
- Adopted Resolution 20‑25‑38 authorizing the sale of a retired 2012 RIB‑craft rescue boat to the city of Lorain for $10,000 (first reading passed) — unanimous voice vote.

Referred / Deferred (committee action)

- Referred to Housing, Planning & Development Committee:
- Communication and concept draft on short‑term rentals / Airbnbs (proposed Ordinance 23‑20‑25) for hearings and enforcement review.
- Ordinance 23‑20‑25 (short‑term rentals) likewise referred to the same committee.

- Referred to Committee of the Whole:
- Communications and ordinances related to the former Lakewood Hospital site redevelopment, including an associated TIF ordinance and the proposed transfer of property under the previously approved development agreement (ordinance 24‑20‑25 and ordinance 25‑20‑25 were referred as part of the follow‑up process).

- Referred:
- Neighborhood Paramedic program update requested by Fire Department — referred to Public Safety Committee.
- Transit feasibility study and other planning communications — received and filed or referred to committees for review as noted by staff.

Liquor notices and other routine items

- Multiple liquor‑permit notices were filed or deferred for follow‑up as appropriate (EuroGyro at 13429 Madison received with no objection recorded; other applications deferred while state background materials are processed).

Meeting notes and provenance

All votes recorded at this meeting were voice votes unless otherwise stated. For many items the transcript records only a unanimous voice vote (“Aye”), with full council present. Specific motions and committee referrals are recorded in the published minutes and the meeting transcript.

Ending: Items referred to committee (short‑term rentals, hospital redevelopment/TIF) will return for committee hearings and likely further council action.","A concise summary of all formal council actions on July 21, 2025, including adopted ordinances, resolutions and committee referrals.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6589021,"Council to delay Charter Review Commission amendments, prioritizing more public education",1028,1034000,2062000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448242-e9e57076820bd82391aca8975383cb59&start=1034&end=2062","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448242-e9e57076820bd82391aca8975383cb59/thumbnail_1034000.jpg","/articles/6589021/Lakewood/Cuyahoga-County/Ohio/Council-to-delay-Charter-Review-Commission-amendments-prioritizing-more-public-education","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6589021-238a835ffa2b466e05acfbcccc58f332/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151121&Signature=RKmSS8Uo0M4k51o~0f74ZYk0YV~CJBFfgL~0x-pP1aYDjYsHEEhqbPZhpfveTNN-Lz4zVS~aMPvZuR0LgSZGNwz7hbDtcA81TcnegEDHqehIkRdsqcvl~CAIuKLT1zx6v0ifLKQW3zNqB4BfDJm-YEaULT9ItffYvdZshK0NIwjyIx8er5EmYmNDyDe7N-DTnK8dVD0TqkUfDKCwntV2Z7Jnsly65xHnDKDx-FBFbZtLSchKcPGQzncWz0L42yZYCD1qUyWQoCOl8FZl2Eq4rFA-uD2BhwOvZaS6YB1zxAigoho3-KFuTcRsQKqCEoSAg1Xnc7IIq9jlLmv8jyaqVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakewood City Council on July 21 agreed to continue deliberation and postpone any charter amendments derived from the Charter Review Commission’s recommendations until a later ballot cycle, with the goal of placing completed amendments on the 2026 ballot rather than attempting a rushed November 2025 submission.

At a Committee of the Whole earlier in July councilmembers had asked the law department to draft ordinances for multiple Charter Review Commission recommendations including: codifying the city’s enactment process for ordinances and resolutions; formalizing an open appointment process for filling council vacancies; adopting ranked‑choice voting for municipal elections; setting a formal post‑census ward redistricting process; and changing salary provisions for mayor and council. Assistant Law Director Swallow and Law Director Vargo provided drafts and legal context.

Council members broadly supported further deliberation and additional public education, especially on ranked‑choice voting. Staff noted that even if a change like ranked choice were approved by voters in November 2025, the earliest municipal elections that would be affected in practice would be 2027; one consultant example cited during the discussion showed jurisdictions taking three to four years from charter change to operational use because of voter education and technical (voting/software) upgrades.

Council consensus leaned toward accelerating internal drafting and committee work over the fall and then returning to the public conversation in early 2026 to allow a deeper public‑education program and careful timing with the next municipal election cycle. Councilmembers said they wanted to respect the Charter Review Commission’s work while making sure any changes had sufficient public outreach and technical readiness.

A member of the public, Chris Bindel, spoke in support of delaying the ballot measure to ensure changes are done correctly.

Why it matters: Charter amendments can alter the city’s governing document and the timing of elections. Councilmembers emphasized that procedural readiness and public familiarity with changes like ranked‑choice voting are key to a successful transition.

Next steps: The council will continue internal committee work on the drafted ordinances, identify committee leads or a process (committee of the whole or rules and ordinances committee) to shepherd the drafts, and plan public meetings and education activities throughout late 2025 and into 2026.","Lakewood City Council decided July 21 to continue work on several Charter Review Commission recommendations and aim for a later ballot — likely 2026 — to allow more public education and technical preparation.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6589016,"Council opens discussion on short‑term rentals; proposed licensing ordinance referred to committee",791,10009000,10800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448242-e9e57076820bd82391aca8975383cb59&start=10009&end=10800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448242-e9e57076820bd82391aca8975383cb59/thumbnail_10009000.jpg","/articles/6589016/Lakewood/Cuyahoga-County/Ohio/Council-opens-discussion-on-shortterm-rentals-proposed-licensing-ordinance-referred-to-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6589016-9ea2f4e743fad7c3df0ce475b645fff8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151121&Signature=Cz2ocJSnHiU9V5odJzXmIEoTu3Oc9MHkDTvH0HRTvmINdA05T1xXzBlFJAGkkxZigcP42guO2pOSHG~SsrVZp4eRAgIhHyeC80pdDyKPEZM8NmxfvyhCor9ISxE6geLAnDlv-aBwpBXmOxsCXXyduak-DUPeelIHtLwq8o68eIFOvZgrVu7erpqO8DY4iJBmYvNcUWYKOUea7nyHd97-homfFfA2gn3XBVxsqFbGxzwG6MsuQpViyVU7rpFlGg6OKV9-vJn4vqcr8hTuDRJ2nzmEzkhT0DtH7O5KyKePNpiFfjpWyMxeHFaxNb1Em1ETF-OIuDcE3iz52jjQ0PEXfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakewood City Council on July 21 received communications from councilmembers and residents about short‑term rental operations in residential neighborhoods and voted to refer a draft ordinance and accompanying materials to the Housing, Planning and Development Committee for detailed review.

Councilmembers Timothy Bullock and Greg Evans (cosponsors noted in the meeting) presented a concept draft that would require short‑term rentals to obtain an annual license from the city and meet safety, occupancy, insurance and contact/management requirements. The communication noted existing conditional‑use language in the codified ordinances that treats traditional bed‑and‑breakfasts as conditional uses in some zoning districts and asked whether short‑term rentals are being treated consistently with those standards.

Residents provided multiple examples of neighborhood impacts: loud parties, frequent calls for police service, parking conflicts, concerns about investor‑owned homes being used for business purposes, and questions about long‑term effects on housing supply and affordability. Speakers who testified included Ralph Puno, who urged stronger enforcement capacity and better staffing for licensing; Michael Zicom, who said a distinction should be made between casual home sharers and investor landlords; Gina Vernaci, who urged hotel‑style accountability (insurance, 24/7 response); and Molly Crow, who described repeated neighborhood disturbances and asked for guest screening and timely enforcement.

Council’s action: The council first received and filed the communication and then referred the draft ordinance (proposed Ordinance 23‑20‑25) and related materials to the Housing, Planning and Development Committee for public hearings and staff review. Sponsors said they intend the referral to start a deliberative process, collect stakeholder input and evaluate enforcement options, including whether to require a city license, establish occupancy and safety standards, and collect additional revenue (for example a lodging tax) if appropriate.

Why it matters: Cities across the region are grappling with how to regulate short‑term rentals while balancing property‑rights, neighborhood character and housing supply. Lakewood staff and council will need to decide enforcement capacity, whether to restrict where short‑term rentals may operate, and whether a registry or permit system should be implemented.

Next steps: The ordinance and communications were referred to Housing, Planning and Development for further hearings. Councilmembers and staff said they will consult stakeholders — including residents, operators and the law and building departments — and return to committee with recommended language and enforcement options.","Following resident complaints about nuisance behavior and neighborhood impacts, councilmembers introduced a draft ordinance to require licensing and oversight of short‑term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO). The council referred the proposal and related communications to the Housing, Planning and Development Committee for further review and public input.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lakewood outlines roughly $8M plan to renovate Winterhurst Ice Arena; programming growing

Lakewood council adopts Complete Streets process, creates advisory board

Votes at a glance: Lakewood City Council — July 21, 2025

Council to delay Charter Review Commission amendments, prioritizing more public education

Council opens discussion on short‑term rentals; proposed licensing ordinance referred to committee