Planning commission backs recommendation to Euclid City Council for MetroHealth clinic at Indian Hills

The Euclid Planning and Zoning Commission voted to forward a recommendation to Euclid City Council to allow MetroHealth to open a 3,307-square-foot clinic inside a converted ground-floor unit at Indian Hills Retirement Community.

The recommendation, made by Commissioner Monroe and seconded by Commissioner Weymouth, passed on a roll-call vote in favor by Commissioners Swanson Sawyer, Weymouth, Renfro, Monroe and Chair Drake. The commission’s action was a recommendation; final authorization requires Euclid City Council approval and issuance of building permits and a certificate of occupancy.

The commission heard a staff report describing the subject property as part of a 19.88-acre parcel improved by 10 multi-story apartment buildings operating as Indian Hills Retirement Community. Staff said medical offices have operated in the same space several times over the past 45 years and noted the property has been vacant of commercial use for more than a year. Staff recommended forwarding approval to Council if there are no objections from adjacent property owners and if the commission’s conditions are met.

Architect Ben Gingrich, who represented the applicant, described a ground-floor conversion that would create exam rooms, a waiting area and a new vestibule with an accessible ramp. “Anything’s better than a trailer that they’re in now,” Gingrich said, summarizing MetroHealth staff’s view of the permanent space. Applicant Timothy Isonami told the commission the project would serve approximately 2,500 residents who live on-site and nearby community members, and that the space would allow MetroHealth to refer patients into the broader MetroHealth system.

Commissioners questioned build-out timing, access and parking. Gingrich estimated a 3-to-4-month interior fit-out and said the clinic would be separated from resident corridors with construction access from the exterior. He said the proposal includes designated parking spaces for clinic staff and patients during business hours; he did not provide an exact number on the record but said the plan identifies “about 10 or 12 spaces” for the clinic during hours of operation. Commissioners also discussed drop-off and paratransit access; Gingrich noted a new curb ramp north of the entrance that could be used for drop-off and said staff would coordinate hours and accommodations.

MetroHealth’s government-relations manager, Shalena Williams, testified in support: “MetroHealth is very excited about the opportunity for this collaboration with the city of Euclid and with Indian Hills,” she said. Staff reminded the applicant that design review by the Architectural Review Board and building-department approvals are required before the use is authorized.

The commission’s positive recommendation moves the application 2025-UDE-01 on to City Council for final action. The commission record notes the matter will return to the commission later for review of a proposed sign package.