Resident urges city review after batting-cage noise disrupts University Heights block

Vice Mayor Michele Weiss convened the March 3 City Council meeting and heard public comment from a University Heights resident who said new activity at a nearby university facility has made life near his home difficult.

Mr. Heifetz of 2524 Claver Road told Council that a batting cage facility installed a few years ago behind John Carroll University now generates “the repetitive clanking of metal bats striking balls” that fills residents’ backyards on warm days. He said he obtained records showing a permit was issued for the facility without prior Council discussion and played a recording for the board. He reported a decibel test that “seemed to almost reach 100 decibels.”

“From there I played a recording of the sounds from the batting cage,” he said, and asked the city to review the permitted use of the facility, examine the nuisance issues it is creating, and enforce the City’s noise ordinance (Ordinance 648.14). He asked Council to consider sound mitigation—such as barriers or limits on hours—or stricter enforcement of existing rules to restore neighborhood livability.

Council did not take immediate action during the public-comment period beyond receiving the complaint and acknowledging the recording. City staff and the Law Department were present for the meeting; the resident’s request will require follow-up by the administration to determine whether the permit fully complied with the city’s land-use approvals and whether the noise levels violate the cited ordinance.

Next steps expected: staff review of the permit and noise complaint, measurement or verification of decibel claims, and a written response or enforcement recommendation from the Law and Building departments. The resident asked Council to consider mitigation options and hour restrictions if violations are found.