University School warns ordinance would be 'spot zoning'; neighbors say conditional review will protect streets and property

University School representatives told council the proposed zoning amendment would unfairly single out private institutions and amount to spot zoning. Benjamin Malbassa, director of development for University School, said the school values its ties to Shaker Heights but opposes the ordinance because it would limit how the school uses its fields on the Shaker campus. "We do oppose the planned ordinance... we view it as analogous to pinpoint or spot zoning," Malbassa said, and asked to be included in ongoing conversations about parking and security.

Neighbors who spoke at the public hearing said the conditional-use approach is appropriate to prevent large stadium-style lights, loudspeakers and expanded late-night activity in residential zones. "Stadiums that seat 900 people with lights and loudspeakers and traffic do not belong in residential areas," said Barbara Hill Newby of Claythorne Road. Several residents, including Will Lefebvre and Chris Oster, cited traffic safety and the risk of future "scope creep"—small approvals that lead to larger facilities over time—and urged the council to adopt standards that require specific mitigation plans and ongoing enforcement.

Council members and staff emphasized the ordinance establishes a process rather than an outright ban: conditional-use review will require Planning Commission public hearings, traffic and parking plans, landscape buffers, and a safety/security plan. Director Braverman said the ordinance applies to all schools in the institutional district, including public schools when changes are significant. The council adopted the amendment on third reading that evening.