Resident urges council to reprioritize sidewalks, parking and youth recreation over ordinance enforcement

Resident Erin Longberry told Mayfield Heights City Council on March 24 that the city should prioritize sidewalk repair, traffic safety and expanded youth recreation options over enforcement of a new misdemeanor provision for trash cans left at the curb.

"I'm concerned that that kind of an ordinance was kind of a waste of our city council's time," Longberry said, adding that sidewalks on Temple Avenue have "multiple ruts" and tree-root damage that make them difficult for people using wheelchairs or other mobility assistance. She also said on-street parking close to stop signs on short neighborhood streets creates safety hazards for delivery vehicles and contractors.

Longberry urged the city to expand recreational offerings beyond the Wildcat Fitness Center and suggested programming during evening hours to give teenagers alternatives to late-night activity: "We have this gorgeous community center now that seems like it's sitting empty or it's not addressing the needs of the entire community," she said. She noted summer and winter recreation planning for children and asked the city to examine outdoor court capacity; she said the fitness center's three indoor courts are in heavy use.

The council chair closed public comment and offered to speak with Longberry after the meeting to provide additional information and follow up on her concerns.

This item was raised during the public-comment portion of the March 24 meeting and does not represent a council action; several council members said they would follow up with staff.