Cleveland Heights Council Discusses Lower Lake Dam Removal and Flood Management Solutions

Cleveland Heights is exploring significant changes to its flood management strategy following discussions at the Special Council Committee meeting on August 11, 2025. A key focus of the meeting was the potential removal of the Lower Lake Dam and the implications this could have on local flooding.

City officials highlighted that removing the dam could allow for improved water flow through the Dome Brook stream corridor, which may help mitigate flooding in the surrounding areas. However, this plan is not without challenges. Council members expressed concerns about the potential for increased flooding in areas near North Park and Coventry if the dam were to be removed. They emphasized the need for thorough modeling to ensure that localized flooding does not worsen as a result of the changes.

The discussions also touched on the need for additional infrastructure improvements, such as adjusting culverts and implementing stream bank protections to manage the increased water flow effectively. Officials reassured council members that their modeling indicates that localized flooding could be addressed with the proposed changes.

Councilwoman Zamora raised questions about the regulatory process, specifically regarding the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which oversees dam management and flood control measures. She noted that community experts have raised concerns about the costs associated with rebuilding the dam, suggesting that the community is actively engaged in the decision-making process.

As Cleveland Heights moves forward with these discussions, the city is committed to ensuring that any changes to flood management will prioritize community safety and environmental sustainability. The next steps will involve further modeling and community engagement to address concerns and refine the proposed plans.