County streetscape plan presented; Richmond Heights holds zoning map change and considers cannabis zoning prohibition

Cuyahoga County staff presented the Richmond Chardon Streetscape and Business Revitalization Plan during the committee-of-the-whole meeting and council members discussed early design concepts and zoning implications for the Service Garage business district and adjacent commercial nodes.

The presenter outlined goals that included marketing and adaptive reuse of large medical-office buildings, repurposing slip lanes to improve pedestrian safety and create development opportunities, encouraging mixed-use infill (retail at street level with housing above), and improving multimodal access and streetscape amenities. Council members said the plan offers concrete ideas but stressed that many items are conceptual and would need detailed study and community input.

Tied legislative items: - Ordinance 74-2025 (amending the city zoning map to designate certain properties R-1 single-family residential) was on third reading but council held action after staff said property-owner notices required by law were not distributed to all affected owners. Council scheduled another public hearing date later so owners may be notified and heard. - Resolution 94-2025 (adopt the Richmond Chardon Streetscape and Business Revitalization Plan) was introduced and taken at first reading; councilmembers said they needed more time to read the packet before a vote. - Ordinance 80-2025 (amend Planning & Zoning Code to prohibit adult-use cannabis operators and medical marijuana entities) is on second reading and a public hearing is on the regular meeting agenda. City staff explained the ordinance would prohibit commercial cannabis operators and medical marijuana entities within the city while noting state law still allows home cultivation where permitted by state rules. The ordinance would override the city—s earlier 2017 decision permitting medical marijuana entities if adopted.

Council discussion emphasized that the streetscape plan is a set of recommendations and that any physical changes or zoning updates would require subsequent public hearings and formal votes. Council members also noted a past community meeting where a resident described a fatal traffic accident near the slip lane area; members said safety concerns shaped several recommended treatments for the corridor.

Next steps: Council held the zone-map amendment at third reading to allow for legally required owner notification, kept the revitalization plan at first reading for more review time, and scheduled the cannabis ordinance for public hearing during the regular meeting so members of the public can comment before further council action.