60 University Heights Master Plan · DRAFT July 13, 2016. 62 University Heights Master Plan. Land...

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60 University Heights Master Plan

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POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

SECTION 4

To bring the community’s vision to fruition, it will take the combined effort of completing many smaller goals and actions. The Goals and Actions section lists each of the steps recommended to complete the Community Vision.

What’s In This Section?

The section includes a review of the visions outlined for each topic area before delving into individual goals and action steps that can be undertaken to accomplish each of these visions.

The goals and actions were developed with data from the Current Conditions document, input from the City of University Heights Master Plan Project Team and Steering Committee, and the first public meeting. Together these policies are meant

to advance the collective vision of the community.

Throughout the Goals and Actions section, blue boxes and pages indicate additional information about critical topics or example communities.

The document also includes maps for Future Land Use, Character Areas, and gateway areas that should be used by the City to guide future zoning, land use, and development decisions.

How Do I Use It?

The Goals and Actions section informs the types of actions the City and its partners should undertake in the coming years. It will be expanded in the next phase with specific partners, priorities, and time frames to accomplish each.

Photo Source: University Heights, Ohio

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Land UseLand use—or the type and intensity of buildings and activities that take place on land—is a critical component of the livability and functionality of municipalities. The way land is used has implications for transportation networks, economic resilience, the health and prosperity of the residential population and the overall attractiveness and sustainability of the community. The following goals and action ideas are meant to ensure that land in University Heights is used in such a way that promotes the wellbeing all those who live, work, and visit University Heights—both now and in the future.

Vision for Land Use

“Over the next ten years, University Heights will...”

Promote land use policies that protect and sustain strong neighborhoods while providing new opportunities for flexible, mixed-use development in appropriate areas to promote growth.

The goals and actions on the following pages address these visions.

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Policy Recommendations 63

GOAL 1: PROMOTE REUSE AND REDEVELOPMENT TO ENCOURAGE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN EXISTING COMMERCIAL AREAS.

University Heights is a significantly developed city that is bordered on all sides by other, substantially developed cities. With no room to expand the city boundaries and little undeveloped land, future development we need to be focused on the reuse and redevelopment of existing land and buildings.

A focus on redevelopment and infill will be require to promote future economic growth while maintaining the strong residential character of the city. University Heights will need to become adaptable to new planning and development practices and tools to make this transition.

Policy: Update the city’s Planning and Zoning Code to adopt modern standards for development and redevelopment

Action: Update the City’s Planning and Zoning Code to incorporate new standard zoning practices and development guidelines. This would include incorporating such measures as:

■ Mixed-use zoning

■ Form-based zoning requirements

■ Design guidelines

■ Development incentives for meeting environmental or other design standards

■ Greenspace and green infrastructure requirements

■ Complete Streets

Incorporating these and other new and innovative tools into the zoning ordinance will provide the City and developers with the means and incentives to redevelop underutilized commercial land to a higher, more economically impactful use.

GOAL 2: ENSURE REGULATIONS THAT FOSTER EFFICIENT LAND USE AND AN AESTHETICALLY PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT THAT IS SAFE AND INVITING TO PEDESTRIANS, CYCLISTS, AND MOTORIZED TRAFFIC.

As stated in Goal 1, Land Use impacts many aspects of a community. However, how land is designed and developed in the context of its use also has a huge impact on aesthetics, safety, and the overall sense of “place”.

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Policy: Ensure Zoning Code addresses contemporary design considerations.

Action: Adopt design guidelines and requirements as part of the zoning code

Design Guidelines can help University Heights control the look and feel of developments in the City. This can help to define a University Heights “sense of place” that can help to differentiate the City from its neighbors as a unique destination for recreation, entertainment, or living.

Design guidelines will grant the City more control over the look and feel of private and public developments, ensuring that new development and redevelopment will maintain the character of the community.

Finally, clear guidelines will assist developers in navigating the City approval process and stay on schedule. Developers and residents can have confidence in the look and feel of newly constructed spaces.

GOAL 3: ENCOURAGE MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT IN APPROPRIATE AREAS TO MAXIMIZE REDEVELOPMENT AND TO CREATE AREAS OF THE CITY WHERE RESIDENTS CAN LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY.

Mixed-use development has become a standard zoning tool in urban

development. It allows for the mix of commercial, office, and residential uses all with the same development or even the same building. It is an effective tool to allow for multiple uses that can complement each other. It is often referred to as creating a “live, work, play” environment.

Mixed-use developments can help create a vibrant sense of place that incorporates aspects of more traditional development where residents live near restaurants, cafes, jobs, and other entertainment. This also attracts other visitors to enjoy the amenities.

Mixed-use development also gives developers flexibility in creating developments that match use with market demand and broadens the potential use of new development. Allowing buildings to be occupied by residents, as well as restaurants, retail, office space or other uses creates a flexible environment that can be more easily changed when market trends shift.

Having mixed-use zoning as part of the University Heights development toolkit will give the city the opportunity to provide specific areas with flexible development to promote the reuse and redevelopment of those areas to a more efficient and higher use while also maintaining, or creating, a sense of community and place.

Policy: Create incentives that attract developers and/or tenants

Creating a mixed-use zoning district in itself will provide a small amount of incentive as it will provide more flexibility for land owners and developers. However, more can be done to attract and promote development.

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Commercial Design GuidelinesCommercial design guidelines are an essential tool communities use to shape the look and feel of their commercial areas. They specify design elements, materials, site layout, architectural features, and other design issues that must be incorporated in any new development. Used throughout the City, these requirements can provide a unique yet cohesive design to University Heights commercial areas. The City of Kent, Ohio developed design guidelines for their West Main Street Corridor. It provides a

case study University Heights can use to complete their own design guidelines encompassing the commercial corridors of Cedar Road and Warrensville Center Road.The guidelines can be found on the City of Kent website: www.kentohio.org/reports/comprehensive.asp

The corridor is broken into three zones to accommodate the different characteristics and uses along the corridor. Similar to how University Heights has commercial, residential, and institutional areas along its major corridors.

Pictures, drawings, and diagrams are used throughout to give visual guidance to the regulations and requirements.

Guidelines cover everything from public right-of-way, parking lot landscaping, building setbacks, facade treatments, crosswalk design, building materials, signs, and street trees and furniture.

■ Gateway ZoneObjective: attractive entry that offers the qualities of a traditional neighborhood

■ Neighborhood CenterObjective: concentrate retail and neighbor-hood services in a pedestrian oriented area.

■ Auto-Oriented ZoneObjective: to create an attractive district devoted to auto oriented businesses

Source: City of Kent Ohio, http://www.kentohio.org/reports/comprehensive.asp

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Action: Adopt development incentives to help bring redevelopment into University Heights

Specific types of development bonuses include:

■ Increased building height/stories

■ Increased density

■ Increased floor building square footage

■ Decreased parking requirements

Specific types of development incentives that could be considered are:

■ Special use permits

■ Tax incentives on new development

■ Low/no interest loans on facade or parking lot renovation

These incentives can be tied to meeting development standards, or the increased inclusion of aspects such as greenspace, green infrastructure, transportation or utility infrastructure, affordable housing, building design, or other desired development outcomes.

Policy: Identify vacant, undeveloped, underdeveloped, obsolete or underperforming commercial areas for the city to acquire, raze, and make shovel ready to actively market

University Heights should proactively identify land that is available or in desperate need for redevelopment. One of the significant hurdles to redevelopment is in the time and cost of finding and preparing land for development. University Heights could help facilitate this by identifying and acquiring land and preparing it for redevelopment. Making it “shovel ready” for a developer would

give the City the opportunity to clean up and control an underutilized piece of land and would also give the City leverage in its future use and development.

Action: Utilize sources such as the County Land Bank or the NEOCANDO database to identify possible properties to target.

Funds could be sought through the County Demolition Fund to pay for the demolition of buildings. Other funds could be sought for transportation and utility enhancements on and around the site to help make the site shovel ready.

GOAL 4: ENGAGE CH-UH SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE WILEY SCHOOL PROPERTY.

The Wiley School property represents a significant development opportunity in University Heights. The school sits on nearly 16 acres of land and is immediately adjacent to Purvis Park.

The Wiley school property is being used as transition space for the next 10 to 15 years while the high school and middle schools are undergoing renovation or demolition and new construction. This presents a great opportunity for the City, School Board, and community to look at the property and

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enter discussion and undertake planning to prepare for its eventual end as a school.

The property sits adjacent to Purvis Park and the City pool. It is also a half block south of Cedar Road and directly East of University Square; an easy walk to Target, Macy’s and the other shops located there. This would make it a prime opportunity for residential, commercial, or office uses.

Policy: Engage the Community and School Board in planning efforts to identify potential future uses for the Wiley Middle School property.

The Wiley Property is owned and controlled by the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools, so any future planning would necessitate their cooperation.

Action: Engage the School and residents in a collaborative planning process to create a future vision for the Wiley property. Much like this Master Plan, the community can create a specific vision for the property and a plan to bring that vision to reality. The future plan would be a blueprint for the transformation of the property. Including:

■ Future site uses

■ Future site layout

■ Architectural and landscape design

■ Infrastructure improvements

■ Public space/parks

■ Integrating development with surrounding neighborhood and commercial areas

■ Land sale/transfer

■ Redevelopment Costs and timeline

■ Zoning and administrative requirements

During the long-term schedule of the CH-UH Schools facility redevelopment plan, there is the opportunity to create a steering committee to explore redevelopment alternatives to ensure that the site remains a valuable community asset into the future.

Policy: Assist the school with marketing and sale of property to develop it as the community envisioned.

Planning is a major step in preparing for the future of the Wiley property. As part of a plan the City needs to take the initiative to help market the property to potential developers. Having a plan in place can help the School District and City to market the property to potential developers. Since any new development would require City approvals, working closely with the School to market and sell the property would ensure that the appropriate developers are targeted and eventually selected to sell the property.

The City should use its website and its connections with other cities and economic development partners to market the property and the City to attract high quality developers and place them in contact with the School District.

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Current Land Use and Future Land Use Maps

Current Land Use

The map on page 15 shows the current land use pattern in the City of University Heights. The current land use, along with knowledge of the City’s zoning and future development alternatives, are the starting point for developing a map of what future land use should look like in the City. Land Use and zoning are not the same, however, current land use should inform future land use decisions and the development and implementation of future zoning uses and decisions.

The City is dominated by the single-family residential use. Commercial and multi-family uses form corridors along major roads. the city has some significant institutional uses for its overall size. Knowing this, the future land use map should keep the majority of the city as a residential area. The introduction of mixed-use as well as multi-family and commercial expansion or redevelopment should be confined to the existing corridors and nodes with commercial and multi-family uses and transitional areas where zoning and land use have changed into higher density uses.

The Future Land Use Map and an explanation of its importance and how it should be used are found on pages 16 and 17.

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Map 1 Current Land Use

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Legend

Single-Family Multi-Family Retail Office Mixed Commercial Light Industrial Industrial Transportation/Utility

Institutional Open Space Vacant Land

City of University Heights City Boundaries Highways Major Roads Minor Roads

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What is the Future Land Use Map?

The Future Land Use map displays the range of uses the community would like to see in the future. For instance, in areas displayed as Low Density Multi-Family, the community would like to see townhouses, duplexes, and other attached, single and multi-family uses in the future.

The Future Land Use map differs from the Current Land Use map. The Current Land Use map displays the types of uses currently constructed on the land, while the Future Land Use map displays desired land uses. These land uses may differ. Importantly, a Future Land Use designation that differs from current land use does not change any landowner’s existing rights or outlaw any existing uses. This is not a zoning map. The Future Land Use map is meant as a long-term vision for property uses and is meant to guide development over the next decade.

How is it used?

The Future Land Use map is used as a responsive tool for the City. Should a property owner desire to change their current type of land use or zoning, the City will consult the Future Land Use map to see if the proposed re-zoning would fit with the community’s goals as outlined in the map. The City can also initiate a property rezoning to match zoning to desired future land uses, such as to allow mixed-use zoning on current commercial properties, or to spur redevelopment of underused properties.

What are the districts?

The Future Land Use map districts are displayed in the legend next to the Future Land Use map. They are also described on pages and with additional text descriptions and an image of a possible building associated with that use.

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Map 2 Future Land Use

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Legend

Single-Family Residential Multi-family Residential Mixed-Use Commercial District Mixed-Use Neighborhood District

Parks & Recreation District Institutional District Parcels City Boundaries Major Roads Minor Roads

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Future Land Use CategoriesThe following future land use categories correspond to the map on the previous page. The pictures and descriptions are meant to display the types of development envisioned in each zone.

Single-Family District

Detached single-family, residential uses

Mixed-Use Commercial District (Office, Residential, Commercial)

Mix of residential, office, and/or retail uses in multi-story, low-rise buildings, or individual use buildings in the same development

Multi-Family Residential District

Townhouses and other attached, single-family uses and low to medium-density multi-family residential uses (Duplexes, small apartment buildings, etc)

Mixed-Use Neighborhood District

Mix of residential uses and limited commercial uses at a neighborhood scale serving the local population.

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Commercial District

Retail, office, and service oriented uses including restaurants, gas stations and hotels, fast food, shopping centers.

Parks, Recreation, & Open Space

Parks, playgrounds, community recreational facilities, and other protected greenspace

Institutional

Governmental or non-profit-owned areas

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TransportationThe transportation network is critical to quality of life and business attraction, making it a fundamental government responsibility. With National and Local trends moving toward the demand for more opportunities to get around University Heights and neighboring communities, and even Downtown Cleveland, without use of their car, the City should respond with improvements to build a complete transportation network.

Vision for Transportation


Maintain and improve transportation infrastructure that enhances connectivity and provides safe and efficient travel for all modes of transportation, including auto, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit.


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GOAL 1: IMPLEMENT PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE IMPROVEMENTS MADE IN THE EASTSIDE GREENWAY PLAN AND THE WARRENSVILLE CENTER ROAD AND CEDAR ROAD MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS.

Two significant planning efforts were completed in 2015 that provided specific transportation related recommendations for University Heights. The Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Plan was a technical assistance study prepared by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA). It specifically looked at the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road corridors and made recommendations for intersection, transit, pedestrian and bicycle improvements.

The East side Greenway study was a joint planning effort for East side Cuyahoga County communities to promote a connected, non-motorized, multimodal transportation network. University Heights was one of the 20 communities included as part of this effort. The study includes recommendations that University Heights should implement as part of its vision to create a complete, multimodal transportation network.

Policy: Apply for grants and begin projects identified in the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Plan.

The Warrensville Center Road study identified 9 intersection improvements, a mid-block crosswalk, utility relocation along Cedar Road, restriping Warrensville Center Road, adding bike signage and markings, and replacing sidewalk trees (See inset for further descriptions of recommendations).

Action: University Heights should prioritize the recommendations in the study in their Capital Improvements Plan.

The City should also work to set the priority for each recommendation (based on factors such as cost, necessity, feasibility, etc.) and begin seeking funding through general funds and/or grants from NOACA, ODOT, NEORSD, Cuyahoga County and other sources.

These are specific recommendations identified through planning initiatives. They should take priority over other projects except emergency repairs and issues of public safety that may arise.

Policy: Create a plan, budget, and time-line for the implementation of intersection improvements listed in the plan.

To further build on Action 1, University Heights should create a specific plan that includes a budget and timeline to specifically implement the intersection improvements recommended in the Warrensville Center Road study. This can keep the City motivated and on task to complete these projects.

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Completed in 2015, this study was completed for University Heights by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency as part of a Technical Assistance grant through the Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI).

The study stemmed from the need to improve connectivity and safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders, especially true along the auto-oriented thoroughfares of Cedar Road and Warrensville Center Road.

The study concluded with ten recommendations to improve access and safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. Recommendations range from crosswalk improvements and utility relocation to complete intersection improvements and lane configurations.

Recommendations from this study effect several different Policy areas including most significantly Transportation and Parks, Recreation, and the Environment. Policies or actions throughout this document will refer to this study and the following recommendations.

Intersection Improvements

1. Cedar Rd at Washington Blvd Reduce corner radii, relocate crosswalks, new curb ramps, upgrade to countdown pedestrian signal heads, relocate stop bar.

2. Cedar Rd at South Belvoir Bvld Relocate crosswalks, add new curb ramps and refuge areas, adjust pedestrian signal heads, add new pedestrian push buttons, upgrade to countdown pedestrian signals.

3. Cedar Rd at University Square West Reconfigure lanes, create new green space, add new curb ramps, upgrade to countdown pedestrian signals.

4. Cedar Rd at University Square East Entrance Adjust curb radius, relocate stop line and crosswalk, add new crosswalk and curb ramps.

5. Warrensville Center Rd at Traymore Rd and Hillbrook Rd Add new crosswalks and curb extensions.

6. Warrensville Center Road at University Square Driveway Modify corner radii; realign lanes and reduce number of lanes; install crosswalks, curb ramps and pedestrian signals; upgrade to countdown pedestrian signals

7. Warrensville Center Road, Silsby Road and Washington Boulevard Reconfigure the five-way intersection, modify curb radii, add new curb ramps, upgrade to countdown pedestrian signal heads, add new green spaces.

8. Warrensville Center Road, Meadowbrook Boulevard and Milford Road Add a crosswalk and new curb ramps, upgrade to countdown pedestrian signal heads, restrict right-turn movements.

9. Warrensville Center Road at Fairmount Boulevard Westbound Add a pedestrian crossing island, reconfigure lanes, modify signal timing, upgrade to pedestrian countdown signals.

10. Utility Relocation: ■ Hydrants ■ Mast Arms ■ Overhead Signs

■ Utility Poles

■ Control Boxes ■ Pedestrian Signals

Source: City of University Heights, Ohio and Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, 2015

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Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Plan

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A systematic plan is necessary to make sure the effort is taken to complete the recommended actions identified for the city.

GOAL 2: MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE EXISTING ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE FOR VEHICULAR, PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLE, AND PUBLIC TRANSIT ALONG MAJOR CORRIDORS.

Goal 1 focuses in particular on the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Study. Goal 2 is geared towards other transportation infrastructure needs that were not specifically identified in the study. the study only looked at the major corridors of Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road. And even then, its focus was narrower.

There are transportation issues outside of those corridors, and other issues along those corridors that have been identified through this planning process as requiring attention. In some cases this means taking specific action to address a transportation need, in other cases it may require further study, planning, or policy effort. Some issues may take priority over the recommendations of the Warrensville Center Road study, but those decisions should be carefully made through the planning and political process.

Policy: Eliminate unnecessary traffic signals along major corridors.

Action: Identify and evaluate unnecessary traffic lights along Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road.

A significant concern that continually came up during the Visioning process is the flow of traffic through University Heights on Cedar Road and Warrensville Center road through to University Circle and Downtown Cleveland. Eliminating unnecessary traffic lights from minor intersections can help to alleviate traffic congestion at certain points in the route. Even evaluating minor lights to achieve greater efficiency in light timing could help ease traffic flow.

With all of the commercial retail centers along Cedar Road, other actions, such as providing inter-parcel access and eliminating drives or turning them into right-in/right-out access can maintain access to the retail destinations while eliminating the need for stop lights.

Policy: Ensure sidewalks and crosswalks are maintained to a high standard

Action: Bring all intersections/street crossings into ADA compliance.

Bringing intersections in to ADA compliance provides safe methods of crossing intersections for all people, not just those with disabilities. Bringing intersections and pedestrian crossings up to date also offers an opportunity to make intersections aesthetically pleasing.

Emphasis should be put on high traffic intersections and those that pose

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significant safety hazards. This goal can be accomplished through complimentary programs such as Safe Routes to School or Complete Streets approaches. Intersection improvements are also a major part of the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Study.

Action: Continue existing sidewalk replacement and enforcement programs to ensure quality, safe sidewalks.

Quality sidewalks are a safety as well as an aesthetic issue. The City should continue to undertake existing sidewalk repair and enforcement programs and target specific areas as necessary. A proactive, citywide replacement program can help maintain sidewalks.

Action: Undertake a Safe Routes to School Plan to encourage and enable students to walk or ride their bicycle to school in a safe and comfortable environment.

The Ohio Department of Transportation funds Safe Routes to School programs that can include planning, engineering, and programing that advance safe paths to schools. Examples include improved crosswalks, educational programs, or planning studies.

The City may be able to pursue funds through Safe Routes To School to implement some of the intersection improvements recommended in the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road TLCI study.

GOAL 3: ENHANCE TRANSIT CONNECTIONS THAT WOULD ALLOW RIDERS TO ACCESS EMPLOYMENT AND AMENITIES EASILY AND SAFELY.

Policy: Improve intersections and sidewalks along major corridors as identified in the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Plan

Action: Apply for grants and begin projects identified in the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Plan.

See Transportation Goal 1 ().

Action: Engage RTA to upgrade bus stops along bus routes in University Heights to provide safe, inviting bus stops.

Bus stops provide protection from bad weather and make waiting for the bus easier, safer, and more comfortable. Upgrading the most active stops improves rider satisfaction and will help encourage more people to take transit. Working with GCRTA, NOACA, and other agencies can help provide funds to upgrade important stops serving the City’s transit riders.

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GOAL 4: COORDINATE WITH NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES AND GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW THROUGH UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, UNIVERSITY CIRCLE AND DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND.

Traffic congestion along Cedar Road connecting University Heights to University Heights and Downtown Cleveland was a major topic brought up throughout the Visioning process. Working with neighboring communities and regional organizations will provide a smooth, efficient flow of traffic while maintaining safety is important for the quality of life of University Heights.

Policy: Continue to engage the current process started through the Cuyahoga County Office of Regional Collaboration

University Heights is currently participating in discussions with the County and other agencies to address this situation. University Heights should continue working in this process and should press the

leadership of this group to continue moving the process forward.

Action: Work with neighboring affected cities and agencies (e.g. RTA) to develop an action plan to accomplish this goal.

While engaging in the County process, the City should work to convene a smaller committee of local municipalities, including Beachwood, South Euclid, Cleveland Heights, and Cleveland to continue working on this matter. They should work to identify and solve issues which can be easily handled at the City level, so that they can work more effectively at the large scale issues as part of the effort with the County.

GOAL 5: PROMOTE ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR TRAVELING BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL AREAS, RECREATION AREAS, SCHOOLS AND OTHER MAJOR COMMUNITY ATTRACTIONS VIA BIKE PATHS, BIKE LANES, PATHS AND SIDEWALKS.

Policy: Implement the recommendations in the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Plan related to bike lanes, paths, signage, etc.

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Action: Apply for grants to fund improvements recommended in the TLCI.

The Warrensville Center and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Plan provided significant recommendations for improving intersections and other transportation infrastructure. While they were identified as “intersection improvements”, they included significant repairs and new infrastructure to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.

There were also specific recommendations for improving sidewalks, restriping roads with bike lanes, and improving pedestrian crossing. Though not an official recommendation, the study also includes potential bike routes through the City to connect major amenities.

The City should pursue grant and other funds to implement these recommendations and the suggested community bike routes as they will significantly enhance transportation safety and options throughout the City.

Action: Adopt a “Complete and Green Streets” policy for the City.

Complete Streets are streets that consider all users including pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and transit users. There is a growing desire throughout the Country to be able to get around a community on foot or by bike. Complete Streets policies help to balance transportation investment by requiring transportation improvements to consider all users when engineering.

Green Streets are streets that include narrowed lanes, bioswales, rain gardens, LED lighting, multi-modal transportation options and other green features in their design.

The City of University Heights should adopt a complete and green streets policy that requires any transportation improvements to consider the needs of all transportation users and the environmental needs of the community. While not all streets will require striped bicycle lanes or other features, it is important to equally evaluate bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure when considering road improvements so that pedestrians and cyclists are safely accommodated.

More information on complete streets can be found in the blue box on page 28.

GOAL 6: IMPROVE STREETSCAPES ON MAJOR CORRIDORS THROUGHOUT THE CITY.

Policy: Continue to implement the City’s street tree planting program

University Heights currently has an ordinance in place to levy special assessments on property to pay for the planting and maintenance of street trees. This should be used in replacing tree boxes

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as recommended in the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road study as well as implementing tree boxes where there are none. Medians and sidewalk areas that can support trees should also be considered.

Furniture, signage and other landscaping are an import aspect of creating attractive spaces along street corridors. The City should seek out specific funds to implement measures to add and enhance these features along major corridors.

While trees and sidewalks are a major part of creating attractive streetscapes, University Heights should develop a comprehensive plan to create a unified aesthetic along major corridors. This should include gateways, signage, banners, street furniture, bike racks, bus shelters, and other features. This will help to create a sense of place and beautify the major corridors through the City.

The following actions should be completed to help achieve this goal.

Action: Identify priority areas and corridors to plant new trees.

Action: Expand the ability of the Street Tree ordinance to include other landscaping that could be implemented where trees are not feasible.

Action: Create specific plans for major corridors, including trees, landscaping, bus stops, street furniture, and wayfinding signage.

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Cuyahoga County Complete Streets Toolkit

Car Oriented Complete Street

Complete streets are roadways designed and operated to safely and comfortably accommodate multiple users of all ages and abilities. They can include improved sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, transit facilities, and landscaping as part of a comprehensive program.

County Planning has developed a Complete Streets Toolkit to help municipalities learn about complete streets and adopt policies appropriate for their communities. It includes a ‘how to’ tool for engineers, planners, and public officials to plan, engineer, and implement complete streets. For more information, visit www.CountyPlanning.us.

Identifying Complete Streets Gaps and Opportunities

Source: County Planning

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Commercial & Economic DevelopmentEconomic development activities include efforts to attract, retain, and expand employment opportunities. These efforts are important to maintain a stable and diverse tax base made up of residents and workers. While University

Heights will remain a mainly residential suburban community, it is essential to maximize the economic opportunities in the City. A healthy economy makes a city a great place to live and provides a high quality of life to its’ residents.

Vision for Commercial & Economic Development


Promote the growth of local businesses and responsible redevelopment of land by providing clear policies and efficient processes to create a business friendly climate.


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GOAL 1: STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITY’S COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS BY PROMOTING THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT OF CEDAR-WARRENSVILLE, CEDAR-GREEN, FAIRMOUNT CIRCLE, AND CEDAR-TAYLOR COMMERCIAL AREAS.

Policy: Promote the growth and development of unique commercial areas in University Heights and neighboring cities.

Action: Work with local businesses to create a unique district identity for all business districts.

The Cedar-Taylor commercial area is shared by University Heights and Cleveland Heights. The City should engage local business and the City of Cleveland Heights to create a business district for the area to promote a unique identity, including signage, branding, and promotion. This will help strengthen the area, allow businesses to cooperate with each other and the City and create a destination for shopping and entertainment.

Action: Increase city branding at these gateways through plantings and signage.

A major issues identified through the initial phases of this Master Plan was the lack of a unique, coherent identity throughout the area, not just in University Heights. It is difficult to know which City you are in. Creating a unique and welcoming identity gateway signage and landscaping will allow residents, visitors, and those just passing though to know when they are in University Heights and invite them to explore the City further.

Action: Create a University Heights Business Alliance to promote local businesses and economic development.

A business alliance or chamber of commerce could function to help promote local businesses and attract new ones. It could work to advocate for economic development in the city and throughout the region. University could also coordinate with neighboring Communities to create a “Heights” alliance or East side suburb business alliance. This could help create a strong and thriving business community that is a regional attraction for shopping, entertainment, and employment.

Action: Add bike parking at or near major retail and entertainment destinations.

With an increasing emphasis on biking and transit, it is important to provide ancillary infrastructure to support these modes of transportation. This includes placing bicycle parking at major retail and entertainment areas and at parks and other amenities. Bicycle parking can be done in such a way that it is also an opportunity to add creativity and artistic flourishes that help create an enjoyable sense of place.

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Action: Engage Shaker Heights, John Carroll University and other stakeholders to create a redevelopment/gateway plan for Fairmount Circle Area.

Fairmount Circle is a major entryway to University Heights. It also sits at the entrance to John Carroll University, a major institution and attraction. However, it is significantly under utilized. A driver could pass through and never know they are entering the City or that a university is only a couple hundred feet away.

One issue is that the majority of the Circle itself is located in Shaker Heights. University Heights should engage Shaker Heights along with JCU to create a joint plan for the Circle. The plan should focus on developing the Circle as a gateway for both Cities and JCU, creating significant benefits for all three. It could also create a lively shopping and entertainment hub that attracts residents, college students, and those visiting the college and area.

Action: Engage Cleveland Heights and South Euclid to create joint Planning Commissions for the Cedar-Taylor and Cedar-Warrensville Center commercial areas.

Much of the commercial areas in University Heights run along corridors that are shared with neighboring cities. This can make it difficult for a commercial district to develop as a cohesive area when it splits jurisdictions.

Under the Ohio Revised Code, if both cities agree, they can create a joint planning body to oversee the development of the agreed upon areas. This would allow both cities to review plans and projects and would also provide an opportunity for both cities to work more closely in developing zoning and design standards for the areas.

GOAL 2: PROMOTE A RECOGNIZABLE COMMUNITY IDENTITY.

Action: Redesign city gateway signs and install at key entrances to the city.

Borders throughout the near east suburbs of Cleveland are not well-defined, providing little visual cue to identify the difference between University Heights and surrounding communities. In order to mark the City’s entrances and borders, gateways should be constructed at priority locations.

Gateway entrances should have a common look and feel that provide a unique identity to the City. They should be scaled to match the gateway’s location and importance. Large and clearly identifiable gateways should be constructed at prominent entrances such as at Warrensville Center and Cedar Roads, Cedar at Taylor or Green Roads, and Warrensville Center and Fairmount Boulevard. Smaller signs appropriate for residential areas should be placed at neighborhood entrances, such as at Fairmount and Green, Belvior at Cedar or Fairmont, and Silsby at Green.

Action: Create a unique city image by expanding city branding through signage and design elements throughout the city

University Heights should extend the idea of gateways and a common deign

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theme to the rest of the City. Building a cohesive design connecting the gateways to wayfinding signage, decorative banners and other elements throughout the City will help extend the unique identity and sense of place throughout the entire City.

Gateways are a priority for establishing the entrance into the City, but the City should use those as a starting point and build a specific identity throughout the City that invites residents and visitors to stay and enjoy University Heights.

GOAL 3: DEVELOP A COORDINATED STREETSCAPE PLAN FOR MAJOR CORRIDORS WITH ATTENTION TO SIDEWALKS, TREES, LANDSCAPING, STREETSCAPES, AND CROSSWALKS TO PROMOTE PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FRIENDLY DESIGN.

Action: Develop a street beautification plan for major streets

University Heights should tie gateways, tree plantings, and transportation improvements together in a unified plan.

The tree planting program, gateway signage, sidewalk repair, transit stop upgrades, intersection improvements and other design elements should all work together to create a cohesive, attractive aesthetic for major corridors.

Developing walkable, attractive streetscapes will provide safe and inviting pedestrian areas for residents and visitors to dine, shop and linger throguhout University Heights

Design elements can be modified to give each corridor a more distinct look or the same look can be kept throughout, but the goal should be to create a sense of place that is distinctly University Heights.

Action: Implement traffic calming measures where appropriate to encourage pedestrian and bicycle use on major corridors

To encourage more people to bike and walk throughout University Heights, traffic calming effort should be considered along travel routes that would serve bikes and pedestrians. This could include road diets for larger roads, reduced speed limits, speed bumps, protected medians, increased signage, bump-outs at intersections, and other methods. This would help create safer spaces for those who wish to walk or bike to neighborhood amenities.

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GOAL 4: CREATE UNIFIED AREAS OF MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT THAT BRINGS TOGETHER, RETAIL, BUSINESS AND RESIDENTIAL USES.

See Goals 1, 2, & 3 of Land Use (Pages 9-12).

Mixed-use development is an important tool for the economic redevelopment of University Heights. It provides flexible

zoning that can be used to redevelop single use commercial areas by allowing multiple uses on in the same development or gives the same parcel more options for a single development. It would also allow residential, commercial, and office uses to be built near each other, creating vibrant, diverse districts where people can live, work and play.

Combining mixed-use zoning districts with cohesive design guidelines can allow for the creation of unique, attractive spaces that maintain neighborhood character and charm while providing commercial and entertainment amenities in an urban or neighborhood setting.

Actions 1 & 2 are a reinforcement of the mixed-use zoning and design guideline recommendations from the Land Use section. Action 3 reinforces that the selection and implementation of these new ordinances should be targeted

Streetscape PlansStreetscape Plans, similar to design gidelines, prescribe the design, material, landscaping and other aspects of a public right-of-way to reach a desired look and feel on a street. Having a plan not only for how the streets should look, but how and when to implement it is a powerful tool for a City.

Examples:Detroit Avenue Streetscap Plan, City of Lakewood, Ohiowww.onelakewood.com/community-vision/commercial-development/

Variety village Streetscape Plan, Westown CDC, Ceveland, Ohio

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to the most appropriate places where mixed-use is most likely to be successful or redevelopment is most needed.

Action: Develop cohesive zoning requirements and design guidelines to create a unique “University Heights” look.

See Land Use Goals (Pages 9-12).

Action: Rewrite the Zoning Code to incorporate mixed-use zoning ordinances


Action: Identify commercial areas with greatest potential and greatest desire for mixed-use development.


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Major GatewaysMajor gateways are located on the major roads and intersections entering University Heights. Traffic and land use make these entrances suitable for larger gateway signs.

Residential GatewaysMinor gateways are located at secondary residential entrances to University Heights. These gateways should be smaller and fit with the character of the neighborhoods.

John Carrol University GatewayGateways near John Carroll University should prominently feature the University along with the City. This more closely ties the two entities together and also promotes a major institution that many who come to the City are visiting.

Character CorridorsIt is important to continue signage, furniture and decorations along major corridors to create a unique feel to the City once people pass through the gateways.

Example Identity SystemThis example of an identity system from Provo, Utah shows signs of different scale and type that all fit into a consistent signage system.

Source: www.ProvoMayor.com

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Major Gateways

JCU Gateway

Residential Gateways

Residential Neighborhood Character Area Multi-Family Corridor Character Area Commercial Character Area Institutional Character Area Community Boundaries

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Community, Neighborhoods & HousingAs a suburban community, University Heights’ housing and neighborhoods are essential to the health and prosperity of the City. Maintaining a quality, desirable housing stock is a constant process is paramount for community health and stability. Strategies to maintain high standards of maintenance as well as infill or expansion of

appropriate new housing types will help strengthen community character. It will also allow residents of all ages and stages of life to move to, or continue to live in, University Heights.

Vision for Housing


Promote mixed-use development and infill housing to strengthen existing neighborhoods.


Source: www.OlmstedFalls.org

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GOAL 1: DEVELOP A WELL-DEFINED SENSE OF PLACE.

“Sense of place,” or the unique identity of a community that is felt by its residents, businesses and visitors, has important implications on overall community health. Sense of place is heavily influenced by a sense of cohesiveness, featuring consistent aesthetics throughout the city’s main corridors, commercial, or residential districts which promotes the sense that one belongs to or has arrived at a destination. Sense of place encourages greater interaction at the street level and community pride with often translates into a more resilient and attractive community.

Communities that have a well-defined sense of place will often have more success at retaining and attracting residents and businesses, and experience greater economic success in commercial and business districts as people to tend to visit or linger more often.

Many communities have successfully helped to foster this sense of place through branding, wayfinding, and signage efforts—both to create a unified set of aesthetics, but also to differentiate the community from other areas—as well as creating unique opportunities for the community to come together.

Policy: Undergo a community branding process, focusing on University Heights’ main corridors and commercial districts.

Often, branding activities are associated with commercial endeavors. However, community branding—a process by which community stakeholders collaborate with design and marketing professionals to help define or redefine community image or reputation—is a useful and important tool in creating a strong community. Branding efforts not only help to instill community pride and identity, but also help market the community to potential investors—residents, businesses and institutions.

Action: Create and implement unifying design elements throughout the City. Design should be cohesive, complimentary, and appropriately scaled.

Action: Actively market the new University Heights brand at a regional scale, using municipal and regional media, governmental organizations, and business outlets as a platform.

Policy: Strategically implement signage to differentiate University Heights and its commercial areas, as well as to help with wayfinding, using the efforts of the branding process described above.

Action: Place signage at important City gateways and commercial districts within the City. Gateway signs into residential neighborhoods should be scaled to suit the residential character of the area.

(See also Commercial and Economic Development Goal 2)

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Action: Create or purchase University Heights specific banners to be placed along major corridors.

Banners can be placed on street lamps or utility poles along main corridors to enhance the street’s aesthetic appeal and develop a local identity. Banner design should incorporate the results of the community branding process.

Action: Ensure wayfinding signage is placed at community gateways that describes important community destinations and how to get there.

Destinations may include the Public Library, John Carroll University, City Hall, parks, schools, and commercial districts.

Policy: Explore options to expand existing community events and create new events to bring the community together, encourage civic pride and showcase the City.

Action: Encourage neighborhoods to undertake events such as block parties or smaller gatherings.

Arts and culture inventories can be used to reveal and the physical and social character of a community. A community can use its history and local culture to understand its historic, cultural, economic, and social context. Rather than forcing a new and disjointed identity, understanding and reinforcing the community’s historic and social context is the best way to develop a well defined, authentic sense of place.

University Heights can help pursue this by embracing:

■ an articulation of the historic, cultural, economic, and cultural context of the community;

■ a commitment to the reinforcement and enhancement of the community’s identity; and

■ the implementation of policies, regulations, and incentives that support and enhance this evolving identity.

This should provide a starting point for the community branding process and can lead to the development of cultural events, lectures, and public art programs.

Teaming with other important community institutions, such as John Carroll University, CH-UH Schools, the UH Public Library, and local historic organizations can help the city identify and embrace its social and cultural fabric and enact policy and initiatives to celebrate that idea. Coupled with physical design and development standards, a unique sense of place will develop.

Cedar Center Business District, University Heights ca. 1954 (Michael Schwartz Library, Cleveland State University)

How Arts and Cultural Strategies Create, Reinforce, and Enhance Sense of Place, American Planning Association Briefing Paper

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Action: Add or expand an annual festival celebrating the heritage of the City and highlighting its character.

This would help build community pride and attract and introduce visitors and residents to the City.

Action: Consider an arts festival showcasing art and other innovations developed by local residents and John Carroll University students.

Action: Ensure neighborhood infrastructure is in good condition and meet the needs of current and future populations, including sidewalks and roads, lighting, street trees and landscaping and pocket parks.

Well maintained sidewalks and street landscaping provide a safe and inviting environment for a community or neighborhood. Making sure that sidewalks are in good repair and that street trees are maintained and planted where possible helps build strong and desirable neighborhoods, contributing to a sense of place. (See also Transportation Goal 2)

Action: Continue implementation of sidewalk repair and street tree planting plan throughout the City to improve safety and appearance.

Action: Institute a sponsorship program from residents or businesses that maintain or establish pocket parks.

GOAL 2: ASSIST LOCAL SCHOOLS IN THEIR EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN HIGH QUALITY EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS IN THE CITY.

Aside from the Cleveland Heights-University Heights public school district, there are private and religious schools that also provide valuable educational services to the community.

Schools are an essential component of a healthy community. They educate residents, serve as community gathering places, and are essential in attracting families and jobs to the City. While the City is not directly in control of any school operations, supporting the local school districts in their efforts to provide safe, efficient, quality education is important to the community, and a responsive and efficient city government is likewise vital to the success of a school system.

Policy: Assist local schools in advertising efforts to potential residents and businesses.

While public schools are better known, University Heights should advertise the value of all schools in the City, including private and religious schools.

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Action: Provide a link to all local schools on the City’s webpage.

Action: Include school contact and enrollment information in City flyers and media and at City Hall.

Policy: Engage local schools in planning and development decisions, especially those involving infrastructure.

The City’s network of roads and sidewalks influence the safety of students as they travel to and from schools.

■ Perform outreach to school administration, teachers and aids when considering an infrastructure project that may impact the immediate environs around a school.

■ Work with the schools to develop a Safe Routes to School Plan. Apply to the Ohio Department of Transportation for funding.

Policy: Adopt an official policy of cooperation and collaboration with local schools when at all possible.

A statement of support and cooperation with local schools and putting in place methods to facilitate greater communication can help foster a sense of community and cooperation.

GOAL 3: ENGAGE JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY STAFF AND STUDENTS TO ENHANCE ITS CONNECTION TO THE COMMUNITY.

John Carroll University (JCU) has a large impact in University Heights: not only does the University occupy a large percentage of University Heights’ land area; it has become a symbol of the community. Like other large institutional uses, JCU impacts the City’s landscape, as well as its social, economic, and cultural health.

It is essential to maintain positive, strong relationships and ongoing communications between the City and University. John Carroll provides many recreational and cultural opportunities such as artistic performances, sporting events, and lecturers. JCU also supports economic growth in the City and provides and attracts a significant population of workers and consumers through its student, faculty and staff populations. It also provides a potential pool of emerging young professionals and dedicated citizens for the City’s businesses and local organizations.

Policy: Engage JCU to assist in providing additional cultural and recreation opportunities, and volunteer opportunities for students

University Heights Master Plan

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Action: Seek cooperation with JCU to provide more cultural and recreational services to the community:

■ Jointly sponsoring or hosting classes or seminars available to the community

■ Reduced fees for community use of University recreational and athletic facilities

■ Shared use agreements for open and public spaces.

■ Discounted rates for staff and students at municipal recreational facilities and community events.

Action: University Heights should work Jointly with JCU to provide service opportunities that will benefit the city and its residents while providing students, faculty, and staff with service and volunteer opportunities.

John Carroll University and its students pride themselves in providing service and support to the local community. Volunteer opportunities to help clean up neighborhoods, repair housing, serve the elderly, establish pocket parks, or facilitate public events will allow students to gain valuable learning and service experience while providing a valuable service to University Heights.

Policy: Tap into the pool of young professionals emerging from JCU to augment workforce and gain experience with local businesses.

GOAL 4: MAINTAIN A QUALITY, DIVERSE HOUSING STOCK AND STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS.

Maintaining a strong and stable housing stock that retains and attracts homeowners is essential to neighborhood sustainability. Oftentimes, however, the rigors and expenses of home maintenance or improvement can be overwhelming for new homeowners, seniors or those of low or moderate income.

As a primarily residential suburb, having a well built, well maintained housing stock is essential to keeping invested and engaged residents in University Heights and maintaining a strong community.

Policy: Continue and expand promotion of County programs available to homeowners.

Action: Explore the applicability of the following programs:

■ Heritage Home Program (Cleveland Restoration Society)

■ Housing Enhancement Loan Program (HELP) (Cuyahoga County)

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Policy: Continue and expand and municipal programs and tools to ensure a strong housing stock.

Action: Investigate the possibility of implementing zero/low interest or deferred loan programs or grant programs for minor violation repairs or exterior painting.

Action: Approach Cleveland Heights about implementing successful housing programs that they currently operate and possibly partner with the Home Repair Resource Center to extend or expand the program to provide service to University Heights.

Action: Continue enforcing current successful building inspection program.

Action: Ensure that a “point of sale inspection” program is maintained.

Policy: Promote Pride in homeownership and occupancy.

Action: Create a “best of University Heights” award for both homeowners and renters. The award could be a gift certificate to a local restaurant, a cash reward, etc.

Action: Establish a “Home Days” event of University Heights, featuring distinct homes throughout the community. Couple this with a community gathering afterwards.

Policy: Strengthen the enforcement of Rental Housing registration and regulations.

Ensure that renters, property owners and landlords maintain their properties in good standing by continuing to enforce and strengthen rental housing registration.

GOAL 5: EXPAND HOUSING OPTIONS TO ATTRACT RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE.

Apartments, condos, and townhomes provide housing choice beyond single-family detached housing that caters to young adults, professionals, small families, empty-nesters and retirees. Increasing these types of housing choices can attract and allow young residents to live in the city and will allow aging residents the option to downsize and stay in University Heights .

Policy: Create a mixed-use zoning district to promote the development and use of apartments and townhomes with commercial buildings where appropriate.

(See Land Use and Community & Economic Development)

Policy: Promote the development of building upscale multi-family housing.

Action: Actively market land identified as appropriate for high density multi-family (as recommended in Land Use) to developers.

■ Use an RFP to describe what kinds of developments would be most appropriate if on City-owned land.

■ Consider adopting design standards for multi-family housing.

■ Update the Zoning Code to ensure it guarantees high quality development. Consider permitting apartments and townhomes in all residential districts. (See also Goals 1 and 2 in Land Use and Economic Development.)

■ Consider upscale multi-family redevelopment of the Wiley School property (see Policy below).

Policy: Engage neighborhoods, home owners, landlords, renters, John Carroll University, and student renters to develop expectations and codes of conduct for renters and rental properties.

Individuals and families seeking affordable housing occupy rentals throughout University Heights. Integrating responsible renters into communities is essential in maintaining strong, healthy neighborhoods. The City should work with, neighborhood coalitions, landlords, renters, and to ensure that renters and rental housing become part of the community and help neighborhoods remain stable, attractive residential places of choice for young professionals, families, and seniors.

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Local Housing Programs

Cleveland Heights -Vacant Property Registration

Cleveland Heights, Ohio has instituted a Vacant Building Registration for any vacant building, residential or commercial. Buildings must be registered within 60 days of becoming vacant and then annually thereafter. A $100 fee is assessed, however if the building is rented, that fee can be applied towards a certificate of occupancy.

www.clevelandheights.com/

Home Repair Resource Center

Established in 1971 in Cleveland Heights, HRRC works to provide homeowners with the knowledge tools, and assistance to maintain their home and strengthen their neighborhood. They provide education for home buyers, down payment assistance, “how-to” repair workshops, and foreclosure intervention.

www.hrrc-ch.org/

South Euclid Rental Registration

The City of South Eulid requires out-of -state rental property owner to provide a “Local Agent” responsible for any code enforcement or court action for the land lord. The city works with other local governments and the local school district to enforce compliance. This program is also run in conjunction with a vacant property registration program requiring inspection and code compliance as well.w w w . c i t y o f s o u t h e u c l i d . c o m /

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Action: Encourage neighborhoods to host block parties for students, renters, and new residents every fall.

Action: Development of a rental code of conduct for renters and landlords can help ensure that renters are respectful, engaged neighbors. Student renters can be held accountable by JCU or other universities.

Policy: Undergo a community planning process to create a redevelopment plan for the Wiley School that considers the housing needs of the entire age spectrum.

Action: Consider a mixed-use campus type of development for Wiley. (See Land Use Goal)

Policy: Initiate or promote existing grant or loan programs to renovate current housing to meet the needs of aging home owners.

Implementing and promoting existing low or no interest loans for senior homeowners for repairing properties can allow seniors to stay in their homes and communities.

Action: Provide better information to and access to application for the Home Heritage Program or HELP loans.

For more information:

www.heritagehomeprogram.org/

development.cuyahogacounty.us/en-us/housing-development.aspx

Action: Implement housing programs that provide loans or small grants based on age and income requirements.

Similar programs exist in neighboring Cleveland Heights. University Heights could engage Cleveland Heights for guidance.

www.clevelandheights.com - Housing Preservation

Policy: Facilitate the development of senior-friendly housing.

University Heights has a growing body of seniors with changing housing needs. Aging in place is an important concept taking root in communities across the United States, emphasizing providing housing options that support residents of all ages allowing seniors to remain a part of the community. This includes multiple housing options as well as design and construction that fosters ease of living as residents age.

Action: Permit apartments or allow senior developments or assisted living facilities as part of certain zoning districts.

Action: Permit in-law suites or other secondary type dwellings in conjunction with a primary single-family dwelling.

Action: Update building requirements to require elements of Universal Design in housing construction.

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University SquareMixed-Use Redevelopment Opportunity

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In 2015, the bond holders for the University Square retail development began pursuing the redevelopment of the property into a mixed-use center. Currently it is the site of a Macy’s and Target department stores, a few other small retail and restaurant businesses, and a mass of parking decks. Under the proposed plan developed by RDL Architects, the Target and Macy’s would remain, along with 25,000 square feet of of commercial space available for small business retail and restaurants. The remaining buildings and some of the parking decks would be redesigned and repurposed as apartments. Under their design, the new mixed-use center would have 289 apartment units plus common spaces, courtyards, and amenities.

This plan, or a similar one, would create an exciting living space and attract young professionals, students, or seniors in University Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods looking to live in an area where they can easily travel to work, entertainment, recreation, or school. It would reduce an overabundance of commercial space in the area, while adding demand for retail, restaurants, and services by adding a diverse population of consumers living in the area.

New zoning ordinances, building requirements and quality infrastructure will be needed to ensure redevelopments of this nature are possible in University Heights. Quality redevelopment will help to diversify the housing options, population, and tax base for the City. It represents an opportunity for growth without changing the fabric or nature of the community, while drawing residents and visitors to the City.

Excess retail space and parking deck would be converted into luxury apartments. Retail could also be converted into Class A office space, if desired.

Pavement is reduced and replaced with courtyards, landscaping, and green roofs which create beautiful living and amenity spaces and serve as a great opportunity to implement green infrastructure to handle and reduce stormwater runoff from the site.

Source: RDL Architects, rdlarchitects.com/projects/university-square/

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Government & Community ServicesThe effective management of governmental services and infrastructure is the prime directive of public officials. Quality services and infrastructure attract residents and businesses, and the ongoing maintenance of these services should be a primary focus of community leaders.

Vision for Quality Government


Maintain and improve current service standards within the budget while increasing government accessibility and transparency, especially through an on-line presence.


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GOAL 1: CONTINUE TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY, YET COST-EFFECTIVE CITY SERVICES INCLUDING POLICE, FIRE, AND EMS TO ALL RESIDENTS.

University Heights is a relatively small city with little undeveloped land. It is surrounded by similar, significantly developed suburbs. Other than substantial redevelopment, there is little opportunity to expand the tax base to support expanded services.

Therefore, the City has an opportunity to identify and pursue areas where they can consolidate and share services with neighboring cities. This will provide cost savings to the city that can be spent on other services or expand services at a smaller cost to taxpayers. It can also foster intergovernmental cooperation in other areas such as economic development and infrastructure.

Policy: Identify areas where regionalization and consolidation of services with neighboring jurisdictions can be implemented, especially the unification of Fire and EMS with South Euclid or other neighboring communities.

Fire and EMS Provision provides an opportunity to evaluate whether combining services would be an effective way for

saving money yet maintaining high levels of service. Joint Dispatch Centers are also a common way emergency services cooperate to save jurisdictions money.

Action: Engage neighboring cities to create a deer management plan.

Deer in residential areas was commonly identified by the public as a major issue. This is not an issue that University Heights alone can tackle. The City should engage neighboring communities and the County to identify ways to manage deer populations and their negative effects in residential areas.

Action: Consult research and findings made in the Circle Heights Communities Alliance Shared Economic Development District effort.

GOAL 2: ENSURE THAT INFRASTRUCTURE (STREETS, WATER LINES, STORMWATER SANITARY SEWER ETC.) WILL MEET THE NEEDS OF EXISTING AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.

Infrastructure provision is one of the most important functions of a city government. Providing quality infrastructure and services within an efficient budget can

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be a challenge. The following actions, as well as efforts to consolidate and share services with neighboring municipalities recommended in Goal 1, can help University Heights achieve the goal of providing the necessary infrastructure the City needs.

Policy: Explore unification of Fire and EMS with South Euclid or other neighboring communities.

Consolidating Fire and EMS with the City of South Euclid, Cleveland Heights, or other neighboring cities could provide cost savings to the City University Heights. Consolidating this service could also allow for expanded access and better response times.

Policy: Acquire remaining houses along south side of Silsby Road between Warrensville Center Rd and Saybrook Rd to expand and improve City Hall Complex.

Currently, City Hall is a compound of several structures which include houses turned into office space. Acquiring the remaining structures along Silsby Road would provide room to grow the City complex. If planned for, it also provides an opportunity to build a new City complex to consolidate City services in modern facilities that can better service the public.

Policy: Create a Capital Improvements Plan for streets and infrastructure that accommodates greatest needs and costs.

With limited funds, it is imperative that University Heights has a plan to spend what funds are available to improve streets and

Fire and EMS Consolidation

Regional consolidation of protective services, including fire and EMS, provides cities an opportunity to share and reduce overall costs without reducing service. Consolidation can allow jurisdictions to:

■ Maximize purchasing power; ■ Streamline and reduce

administrative costs; ■ Centralize dispatch and support

systems; ■ Improve fleet management and

reduce maintenance costs.

Consolidation can be accomplished via two methods:

Operational Consolidation - of services, equipment, staff, training, dispatch, and specialized resources; or

Jurisdictional Consolidation - Dissolving existing jurisdictions to create one new jurisdiction with new centralized administrative and operation structures.

The consolidation of 7 suburban Milwaukee fire departments in the early 1990s saved a combined $2.8 million in service cost in 2014 and approximately $3.4 million in vehicle purchasing.

A consolidation study for five other Milwaukee suburbs estimates $1 million in annual operation savings and almost $4million in five-year vehicle savings without closing fire stations or reducing firefighting staff.

For more information:www.publicpolicyforum.org/researchwww.dos.ny.gov/lg/publications.html

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other infrastructure. While emergencies can often eat up funds and change plans and timelines, creating a Capital Improvements Plan to determine costs and prioritize repairs will ensure that money is spent on areas with the most need and are the most cost effective.

GOAL 3: MAINTAIN A SMALL AND EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT THAT IS RESPONSIVE TO RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES.

Similar to Goals 1 and 2, a small and efficient government can provide the necessary services and infrastructure giving residents the most benefit for their tax dollars. Consolidation and cooperation amongst neighbors is a major way to provide government efficiency but the City itself must also make sure its operations are run as efficiently as possible to the benefit of the City. The City should analyze its programming and operational needs to plan for the future needs of the city in staffing and facilities. To that end, the following actions should be taken:

Policy: Perform a workload assessments to determine if staffing levels are appropriate.

Analyzing workloads and staffing levels on an annual or semi-annual basis can help determine if staffing levels are appropriate. This can save funds by ensure the appropriate staffing levels are maintained in the appropriate positions

Policy: Explore the cost/benefit to outsourcing various city services.

Outsourcing certain government services (garbage pick-up, code enforcement, etc)to private companies can provide savings to the city. Private companies often have large, qualified staffs that service multiple areas already. This necessitates the City from having to fund departments, staff, and equipment and rather pay a lump sum for the service. The City should make sure that service standards remain high and that there is a cost savings in outsourcing the service.

Policy: Create a government facility Master Plan.

A government Master Plan would be beneficial in combining the many other individual actions that deal with staffing assessment, consolidation or outsourcing of services, and facility management all into one document.

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GOAL 4: BE AN OPEN, ACCESSIBLE, AND APPROACHABLE GOVERNMENT THAT PROVIDES ASSISTANCE AND SERVICE TO ALL RESIDENTS.

Advances in technology and communications have made it easier than ever for people to connect with each other. The City needs to utilize these new technologies to be able to reach the most citizens it can with news and information.

Furthermore, there is an increasing section of the population that gets their information from and prefers to interact through on-line methods. It is important for the City to embrace technology not just for the ability to communicate information, but to also conduct business. Requiring citizens and businesses to come into City Hall for every transaction or interaction is no longer the status quo for conducting business.

Providing options for submitting payments, applications, and paperwork as well as receiving permits, or paying fines, provides the accessibility many residents and businesses demand in fast paced lives and businesses. Updating the City website to be able to handle these types of transactions can help to increase accessibility and customer satisfaction for those doing business with and in the City.

While there remain many who prefer traditional methods of connecting with the City through newspapers, public meetings, and mail, a significant amount of people are embracing websites and social media as way to stay informed. University Heights must do its best to incorporate these new methods of communication into their overall strategy of outreach and information.

Policy: Utilize new ways to relate and communicate with residents including social media and other on-line tools.

Online tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and blogsshould be incorporated expanded in to the online communication strategies of the City.

Policy: Enhance the City’s on-line presence to provide greater accessibility to the government as well as improve the ability to interact and conduct business with City Departments.

Action: Implement an on-line payment and processing system for Police, Building, and other departments that issues tickets, fines or charge fees, or require permits.

While this may not be feasible for all actions and transactions, it can increase convenience and efficiency, allowing staff to focus time and energy on other duties.

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Action: Ensure the information available on the City website is current and well organized to allow citizens to easily access needed information.

Posting information on projects and current happenings in the City can also help keep everyone up to date and allow them

to get involved in the projects and areas that interest or affect them the most.

Action: Identify additional content and information that can be placed on the City website.

Local Government & Social MediaSocial Media is becoming more and more popular in todays society. This is making it more and more important for local governments to embrace the technology and to use it properly. There are seven common areas where social media can be used by local government to inform and engage its citizens;

■ Crime Prevention & Police Assistance ■ Emergency Alerts and Severe Weather

Updates ■ Recreational Events and Registrations ■ Town Halls and Council Meetings ■ Public Service Announcements ■ Construction Updates and Road Closings ■ Job Applications

(CivicPlus)

This is just a starting point of the basic areas where local governments should be competent in utilizing social media. As expertise and experience are gained, expanded use in public participation, community surveys, business promotion, tourism and other areas can be implemented.

Before engaging in the use of social media, it is important for a local government to have a strategy for use. Social media is powerful platform, but if used improperly or carelessly, it can create confusion and controversy.

The National League of Cities identifies five steps to consider when implementing social media:

■ Take the time to clearly identify your city’s objectives.

■ Listen to the social media conversation in order to discover where your city or mayor is already being talked about online and by whom.

■ Critically evaluate how any new social media applications will help meet the desired objectives.

■ Carefully and realistically assess resources to determine if both the staff time and funding are available to launch and maintain the new social media program.

■ Finally, be sure to reach out to peer cities and conduct research about the new technology or channels being considered for your city or agency.

The government of New Zealand has put together an excellent guidebook and toolbox for local governments looking to use social media. Visit their website at:

webtoolkit.govt.nz/guidance/social-media/

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Parks, Recreation, and the EnvironmentThe City of University Heights is a fully developed City surrounded by fully developed neighbors. As a city small in geographical size, it has limited amount of space available to create parks or preserve the natural environment. This means the City has had to use creative means to enhance the parks and recreational opportunities it provides its’ citizens. This is nowhere more evident than in the construction of the New Community Park. Innovative opportunities like the Community Park must be sought out and seized to enhance this area for the quality of life of the residents. Similarly, University Heights must show the same creativity and initiative in promoting and utilizing environmentally friendly practices and development. Retrofitting the City and its infrastructure as green and sustainable is necessary for the future health of the City

Vision for Parks, Recreation, and the Environment


Promote active living and a healthy environment by seeking unique and innovative opportunities to increase greenspace, pursuing local partnerships, and enacting sustainable development policies.


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GOAL 1: REDUCE STORM WATER RUNOFF RESULTING FROM IMPERVIOUS SURFACES.

Urban areas with significant impervious surface from roads, parking lots and other paved areas can often have significant issues with stormwater runoff. This is especially true if there remains little natural environment left to absorb the runoff. This situation epitomizes University Heights: streams have been diverted or put underground while little forest, wetland, or natural grassy areas remain to help absorb rain water.

Policy: Embrace green infrastructure and low-impact building practices to help reduce the amount of impervious surface and therefore the amount of stormwater runoff.

Tools and infrastructure that can help reduce stormwater runoff include:

■ pervious pavement,

■ rain barrels and rain gardens,

■ planted medians,

■ street trees,

■ recessed tree islands in parking lots, bioswales,

■ and reduced parking requirements,

These help reduce paved surfaces and allow for the natural absorption and treatment of stormwater. These should be accomplished by the following actions:

Action: Work with EPA to formulate a plan to address this issue to comply with federal mandate.

Action: Rewrite Zoning Code to update greenspace requirements for developments.

Outdated zoning ordinances typically lack or have very minor greenspace requirements. When rewriting a zoning code, it is important to incorporate environmentally sensitive principles. Stronger requirements for greenspace not only creates recreation and gathering places for people, but also preserve and enhance the natural environment and its capacities. See Goals 1 & 2 of Land Use.

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GOAL 2: IMPROVE THE CITY’S REPUTATION AS A “GREEN” CITY BY RESTORING, PRESERVING, AND ENHANCING ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS AND ENCOURAGING GREEN PRACTICES BY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES.

Building off of recommendations in Goal 1, it is further recommended that the City pursue green standards for all areas and practices of the City. Aside from installing green infrastructure, the promotion of green building practices, preservation of environmentally sensitive lands, and restoration of natural environments will enhance University Heights’ reputation as a “green” city. This is especially important in attracting Millennials, which have been shown to base their residential choices on community amenities and attitudes.

Additional policies and actions that can help achieve this goal and increase and “green” reputation of the City follow:

Policy: Adopt a policy that when vacant and blighted properties are acquired, the City considers pocket parks, rain gardens, or community gardens as important redevelopment options.

With little to no undeveloped land remaining in the City, vacant and abandoned properties present a great opportunity to turn a blighted property into a feature that can enhance the aesthetic, social, and ecological health of the neighborhood.

Pocket parks can provide a place of social gathering and opportunity for recreation. A raingarden can help capture and retain storm water, while also serving aesthetic and educational purposes. Community gardens can likewise provide a social gathering place while also supplementing households with nutritious and affordable food options. Both pocket parks and community gardens, as pervious surfaces, would likewise help mitigate storm water.

Policy: Continue acquiring land when appropriate for establishing public greenspace.

If redevelopment is unlikely or too difficult, larger vacant or underutilized properties present even greater opportunity to create larger parks that serve the entire community. This was done with the new Community Park.

Policy: Incorporate energy efficiency throughout the City.

Action: Update all City buildings with energy efficient lights and appliances.

Making sure that the City Government implements green practices is the first step in getting residents to do the same. All new light bulbs, appliances, equipment, and

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other features of City buildings should be energy efficient and green.

Action: Replace all City street lamps with energy efficient bulbs (CFL, LED, etc.).

Require all new street lights to be energy efficient. The green concept can also be extended to City infrastructure. Street lamps, traffic lights, and other features should be energy efficient. While they may cost more to implement, that cost is decreasing and they are often cost effective over the long term

Policy: Incorporate educational signage about green measures the city is taking, including signage near green infrastructure, such as bioswales, raingardens, as well as energy efficient upgrades and decisions.

GOAL 3: ENHANCE THE BICYCLE FRIENDLY NATURE OF UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS BY IMPLEMENTING BIKE LANES, TRAILS, AND OTHER AMENITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY.

Implementing bicycle lanes and all-purpose trails can increase the activity of residents

by allowing them safe places to bike, walk, and run, both for recreation and as a means of alternative transportation. Providing trails that connect the City’s recreational amenities, commercial areas, and other important community destinations can help encourage and support a more active, healthy community.

This goal and many of the supporting actions can be accomplished through implementation of the recommendations of the Warrenville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Study.

Policy: Implement the Bicycle Facilities Master Plan developed as part of the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Plan

As part of the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Plan, NOACA created a bicycle master plan for University Heights (See inset). It provides for a network of bike lanes and marked bike routes that connect the City’s major points and amenities. It also connects with neighboring cities existing and planned bike infrastructure. The entire plan is consistent with the larger Eastside Greenway TLCI study completed in 2015.

The infrastructure in this plan provides safe alternative transportation routes throughout the City and encourages residents to get out and ride their bikes. This can reduce traffic congestion and promote healthy lifestyles.

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This plan has put forth multiple recommendations regarding increased bicycle infrastructure and the promotion of transportation alternatives and active living. Much of these recommendations and the impetus behind them is the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Plan completed for University Heights by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (see page 22 for more information).

Active transportation, such as bicycling and walking, is becoming an increasingly desired community trait for those looking to live in an urban area. It provides a way to get to work and avoid traffic, but also a safe way for people and families to travel to local amenities. Complete bike and pedestrian connections can attract residents and can help contribute to an active and healthy community

As part of that study, NOACA put together a Bicycle Facilities Master Plan for University Heights. It identifies bike infrastructure including bike lanes and signed and marked bike routes that connect the cities main attractions and existing bike infrastructure in and around University Heights.

This plan is consistent and connected to the recently completed Eastside Greenway TLCI Plan connecting parks and trails on the entire east side of Cuyahoga County. The implementation of the bike lanes and routes in the Bicycle Facilites Master Plan should also be pursued.

Source: City of University Heights, Ohio and Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, 2015

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Policy: Seek funding to implement bike and pedestrian improvements recommended in the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Plan

Many of the Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road Multimodal Transportation Plan recommendations provide for safer recreational opportunities through bike lanes or pedestrian crossings. They also work to connect recreational areas together, creating a network for bikers, runners, and walkers who wish to get out and exercise safely. (See Transportation Goals)

GOAL 4: PROMOTE THE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE PARKS AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY WHILE SEEKING NEW AND INNOVATIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND FUTURE AMENITIES.

With little open land to create new parks, it is important for University Heights to seek innovative ways to create more park space and add recreational opportunities for its residents. The creation of the new Community Park is an excellent example of pursuing an innovative opportunity to add a new park. Similar tactics of targeting underused or vacant parcels to create neighborhood-scale pocket parks can help increase park space throughout the City.

It is key to make sure that the existing and any future opportunities are well advertised and easy to access. Some actions to achieve this goal are:

Policy: Establish new youth summer recreation programs at the new Community Park

The new Community Park offers a great opportunity to expand new programs to use the park. As a new park, many might not be aware of its existence, so it is important for the City to promote the park and to hold events there to introduce it to residents.

Policy: Continue having the City pay the non-resident premium over resident fee for programs in selected neighboring cities

Working with other communities that have great recreational facilities is a great way to supplement University Heights recreational offerings. However, efforts must be made to inform citizens. They are often unaware of existing opportunities or do not know how to take advantage of them. Cultural and recreational opportunities must be well advertised and the process to attend or utilize these options must be clear.

Policy: Seek other opportunities to continue collaboration with neighboring communities to offer shared programs and access.

Many cities have also had success in providing increased recreational and greenspace amenities to residents by partnering with neighboring municipalities to increase access and keep costs down.

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Action: Continue to pursue partnerships with other communities and organizations to implement cultural and recreational opportunities.

Action: Develop a joint recreational marketing campaign.

GOAL 5: CONTINUE BUILDING A PARTNERSHIP WITH JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY THAT OFFERS RESIDENTS MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS.

As indicated in previous sections, John Carroll University is a major asset to the community that can have a big impact on Land Use, Economic Development and on neighborhoods. It can also be a major asset in cultural and recreational amenities available to the community.

Universities provide many academic and cultural offerings that are either open to the public or could be opened to the public. Academic, political and religious speakers and events are often hosted at the University as well as events in music, drama, and art. Many of these are events

or types of event that any city would not be able to attract or put on by itself.

JCU has many sports teams, arts programs, and academic groups that could benefit from support from the local community.

Having the University nearby presents a unique opportunity for University Heights to offer or promote events most cities could never provide to residents. University Heights needs to leverage this opportunity by engaging John Carroll to provide as many opportunities as possible for residents to partake in the cultural and recreational events at the University.

Policy: Continue collaborations with John Carroll that are already in place.

Continued collaboration and strong relationships with John Carroll in all facets is essential for a healthy University Heights

Policy: Add John Carroll University’s events calendar to the City website and promote events on all City news platforms.

Sporting events, concerts, lectures, student presentations, celebrations, and other events offer cultural and recreational opportunities for residents.

Policy: Partner with JCU to conduct a joint cultural event series.

JCU presents a great opportunity to attract and hold special events for the City. The City could work with the events staff at JCU to incorporate programs, lecture series, concerts, or other events that benefit both the University and the City and would be open to both as well.

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115Policy Recommendations

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