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Mayor Klein delivers State of the Village with development, parks and public-safety goals
Summary
Mayor Klein reviewed 2024 accomplishments and outlined 2025 priorities including park and amphitheater improvements, Veterans Memorial planning, redevelopment projects, and department staffing and equipment upgrades.
Mayor Klein delivered the annual State of the Village report at the Feb. 12 council meeting, summarizing 2024 accomplishments and laying out a slate of projects and departmental goals for 2025.
Klein highlighted completed and ongoing development projects including the Pinecrest South and Lakes of Orange phases, several commercial renovations, and boundary changes with Beachwood to adjust Orange Place. He noted the village launched a farmers and artisans market and staged a drone light show at the party in the park.
The mayor outlined several infrastructure and program priorities: creating a Veterans Memorial Plaza, expanding and restoring the amphitheater, pursuing redevelopment of commercial parcels (including former Bahama Breeze and Deb Lobster sites), and advancing the Miles Road water‑main relocation tied to Brainerd Road resurfacing. He said the village is pursuing grants with the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy to link village parks with the regional Metroparks system.
Klein reviewed departmental accomplishments and goals. Highlights included: - Finance: completed a balanced 2025 budget process and updated financial software; staff cross‑training and succession planning were noted. - Building: permitted and inspected multiple commercial and residential projects; succession planning includes certification goals for building‑department staff. - Fire: consolidated daily staffing to one station, implemented electronic training, passed an ISO evaluation, ordered a new engine and upgraded life‑saving equipment; goals include training, grant pursuit and a smoke-detector installation partnership with the Red Cross. - Police: restructured operations, created a deputy chief position, improved records management and video redaction procedures, and intends to pursue collective bargaining with the Patrolmen’s Association in 2025. - Service: completed 2024 road and storm-sewer work, leaf humus and wood-chip programs, and applied for state and county grants; 2025 goals include a concrete-repair program, park improvements and radio system research.
Klein also noted new and ongoing committee work (Orange Cares, sustainability and resilience, economic development, parks and recreation, arts and culture, veterans and centennial) and encouraged resident engagement. He said departmental full reports will be available on the village website.
The mayor closed by encouraging residents to participate in volunteer committees and upcoming events and listed operational reminders (paper-shredding day, Presidents Day schedule).
