Mayor urges support for Issue 14 as council approves borrowing for street repairs and ambulances

Garfield Heights Mayor Matthew Burke called on residents to research and vote on Issue 14, a proposed amendment to section 58 of the city charter that would change how land‑use conversions are approved, and the council approved multiple borrowing measures to pay for street repairs and ambulances during the regular council meeting in April 2025.

Burke told the council and audience that Issue 14 would shift some land‑use decisions from a required resident referendum to local review by the planning board, zoning board of appeals and council. "Issue 14 is an amendment to section 58 of our city charter, which just addresses land use changes," he said, and added, "If it passes, you're just gonna basically see development happen much faster." The mayor said the measure is on the May 6 ballot.

Why it matters: council members and staff said the city needs faster land‑use decisions to attract development; residents said the city also needs quicker, visible fixes to streets and better communication about public property maintenance.

Council action on borrowing and ambulances

Council voted to authorize notes in anticipation of bonds for several street‑repair projects and to allow financing for ambulances. The ordinances specify limits on the amounts the…