Myra Orenstein, acting director of the Taylor Merchants Association, asked Cuyahoga County council committee members to advance a request for up to $10,000 in ARPA district funding to help organize roughly 80 merchants along South Taylor Road and begin branding and beautification efforts.

Orenstein said the association is working toward 501(c)(3) status but is using Future Heights as a fiscal agent in the interim. She told the committee the money would pay for basic start‑up needs including legal and accounting services, early promotions and wayfinding, snow‑removal services for merchants, and landscaping purchases to generate economies of scale.

The request was introduced as Resolution 20250327 (award to Future Heights Inc. for the Taylor Merchants Association). Presenters described the South Taylor district as a 1.5‑mile corridor with a mix of commercial areas and growing Orthodox Jewish and Black residential neighborhoods; they said coordinated promotions and infrastructure work would support local businesses and the ongoing Tudor Plaza redevelopment project.

Council members asked about priorities, timelines and lessons from prior attempts to form merchant associations. Presenters highlighted immediate, low‑cost items they can start right away (branding, a ‘Big Truck Day’ family event, targeted promotions and snow‑removal contracts) and said long‑term plans include pursuing a CID in year three once the association is established.

A council member offered to match the $10,000 from district funds to increase the seed funding the association would receive. With no further questions, committee members moved and seconded to place Resolution 20250327 on the next committee calendar for a second reading.

The committee did not take final action on the grant request; the matter will return for a second reading and further consideration by the council.