Neighbors oppose Cedar Road sale; developer withdraws and council agrees to pause ordinance

Cleveland Heights — Residents and neighborhood advocates told City Council on Tuesday they oppose selling a narrow 0.54-acre parcel at the top of Cedar Hill that has served as public green space for decades. The purchase ordinance (0632025) was on third reading, but the developer said he would abandon the project and council agreed to hold further action.

The parcel described in the ordinance sits between South Overlook Road and Delaware Drive. Dozens of residents said the land functions as neighborhood green space and a buffer along a busy corridor. "This has been green space for 77 years," resident Lou Mandy said during public comment. "To make this an emergent matter after all that time sounds unnecessary and unfair to the residents in the neighborhood." (Lou Mandy)

Residents submitted alternative proposals for the site, including a gateway sculpture garden and arboretum, and raised concerns about safety for pedestrians on the adjacent sidewalk and the long-term loss of a neighborhood amenity. "If you sell this property, that opportunity to develop that as a gateway, as green space, as park space will go forever," Philip Wadsworth told council. (Philip Wadsworth)

Architect and would-be purchaser Paul Volpe, who had negotiated a purchase agreement with the city, said after nine months of work he and his partner were withdrawing from the project. He described the site as "a half acre, 330 foot narrow strip" and said city last-minute changes to the purchase agreement led him to step away. "I'm done with the city. I'm finished," Volpe said. (Paul Volpe)

Instead of a vote on the third-reading ordinance (0632025) Tuesday night, Mayor Khalil Sarin asked council to hold the matter so staff could try to revisit negotiations and avoid further damage to the city’s reputation with developers. Law Director guidance noted council could choose to take no action; council deferred final action pending further conversation between the administration and the developer.

The record shows a strongly engaged neighborhood: petition signatures, Freedom of Information Act requests filed by residents and multiple public speakers at the meeting. Council members and planning commissioners present said future development proposals should include community input earlier in the process so neighbors have time to respond.

Next steps: The ordinance remains on the agenda but will not be voted on at this meeting. The administration said it will reach out to the developer and return to council with an update; residents urged the city to evaluate alternative proposals for the site and ensure public outreach before any sale proceeds.