Lincoln Heights council approves CDBG tree-canopy funds and three property sales; one commercial sale deferred

LINCOLN HEIGHTS, Ohio — The Village of Lincoln Heights council on June 9 approved multiple resolutions accepting grant funds and selling village-owned properties, and it delayed action on a proposed commercial sale to get more details from the prospective buyer.

The council unanimously approved Resolution 2025-R-56 to accept Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money for a tree-canopy project and to establish a special revenue fund for the program. The council suspended the rules and adopted the emergency clause before voting; roll calls recorded five ayes on each motion.

Council members also approved Resolution 2025-R-57, authorizing the sale of village property at 1101 Lindale Court, and Resolution 2025-R-58, authorizing the sale of property at 845 Van Buren Avenue. On R-58 a councilmember noted the auditor’s records show two parcels associated with the Van Buren address. Parcel 254 had been sold previously; R-58 would sell Parcel 253 to the same buyer, identified in the discussion as Mr. McCaster, so the buyer can consolidate the two parcels.

Section 5(a) of the R-58 language presented to council requires the purchaser to consolidate the parcels and construct a single-family home on the consolidated parcel with a fair-market value of no less than $200,000, to be completed within two years of closing. Council members approved suspension of the rules, received the resolution for passage, and adopted the emergency clause; roll-call votes were recorded as five ayes for each motion.

Council also handled routine business: it excused Councilwoman Laverne Mitchell for the meeting, accepted committee-of-the-whole and regular meeting minutes from May 27, and accepted the mayor’s court report for May 2025, which the presiding officer read with totals to be dispersed of $861.

A previously introduced item, Resolution 2025-R-47 concerning sale of village-owned 9682 Wayne Avenue, was deferred to the June 23 meeting after Councilwoman Nona Calhoun Mumia reported the prospective buyer had described the planned use only as a “small business, perhaps including a drive-through.” Council members said they wanted clearer, specific information about the proposed business before approving a sale; Vice Mayor Linda Childs Jeter moved to defer, and the motion passed by roll call (5–0).

The council also scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday, June 18 at 5:15 p.m. to discuss employment of a public official. A public speaker who had signed up did not appear at the meeting.

The council adjourned after a final voice vote of 'Aye.'