Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Affordable Senior topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves sale of Lancashire Road lots to enable 71-unit senior affordable housing project
Summary
Council adopted ordinance 021-2025 to authorize a purchase agreement for about 1.049 acres on Lancashire Road to National Church Residences (NCR), advancing a planned 71-unit affordable senior housing project; council members and public commenters discussed parking, sale price and project benefits before the vote.
The Cleveland Heights City Council voted Feb. 18 to authorize the sale of approximately 1.049 acres of vacant land on Lancashire Road to allow National Church Residences (NCR) to pursue a 71‑unit senior affordable housing development.
Ordinance 021-2025, introduced by Mayor Saren and moved on the floor by Councilman Michael Petras with a second from Councilman DeAndre Maddox, passed by roll call. Council members who spoke during the discussion said the city needs more affordable senior housing; Councilman Petras noted the age of the city’s housing stock and urged support for more housing types for older residents.
Several residents and community members spoke during public comment in favor of the NCR proposal. Michael Bending said the project could support the Coventry business district and provide senior housing options that allow older residents to downsize while staying in the city. Pat Dillard, a longtime resident and member of the Unitarian Universalist congregation that is selling the property, described NCR as “a stellar company devoted to building high quality affordable housing” and urged council to support the sale so construction can proceed.
Public commenters and some council members raised parking concerns. Melody Joyhardt said the developer would create 28 additional parking spaces and that part of the lot would be separated for city parking; she also noted the sale price being offered to NCR was $500,000 compared with an earlier appraisal of $1,050,000 and that the city would receive a $306,000 credit for reconfiguration work. CJ Nash and other residents urged council to weigh proximity to amenities and transit in favor of the project, arguing the Coventry area offers walkability and services that ease parking demand.
Council members expressed support while asking staff and the developer to continue work on parking solutions. Councilman Josh Posh said he supported the purchase agreement “but I am concerned about the parking” and suggested staff consider additional handicapped spaces or other accommodations. Councilman David Kopp said his earlier concern about the sale price was relieved after reviewing additional financial information from staff; he still said a parking shortage is possible once lots are removed.
The clerk recorded a roll call vote in which the ordinance was adopted (affirmative votes recorded for Posh, Petras, Maddox, Russell, Larson and Cobb). Council members and the mayor said council will still have the opportunity to review the development agreement and project details before final approvals.
Why it matters: If NCR obtains state low‑income housing tax credits and completes financing, the project would add 71 affordable senior units to Cleveland Heights at a site near Coventry businesses and public transit. The sale advances the developer’s ability to apply for credits and to move into detailed design and permitting.
What’s next: The council will review the developer’s formal plans and any required development agreements; staff and council asked the developer to continue exploring parking and accessibility accommodations as the design advances.
