Friday, May 3, 2024

Cleveland Heights to Celebrate "Grow More May"

City to Encourage Residents to Grow More not Mow Less

Mayor Kahlil Seren announced this week that, for May 2024, Cleveland Heights would move past "No Mow May" to celebrate "Grow More May," an effort to encourage residents to make their yards more biodiverse.

"The point of last year's 'No Mow May' was never just about mowing less. It was about growing more—more plants that could feed pollinators.

This goal got lost in the tall grass—and the debate about whether we should mow it down." --Mayor Seren

"Grow More May"

For 2024 and beyond, the City of Cleveland Heights hopes to bring the "Grow More" goal back into focus. Instead of encouraging people not to mow, the City will shift to encouraging people to replant part or all of their turf grass lawns with pollinator-friendly, preferably native plants that require less mowing and watering, like micro clover, sedges, violets, and wild strawberry.

The City plans to "Grow More" through a pilot program replacing grass with microclover in selected portions of the medians of four roads: Euclid Heights Boulevard, Monticello Boulevard, Washington Boulevard, and Fairmount Boulevard.

The City will enforce tall grass and weed violations throughout May and beyond.

The Problem with Turf Lawns and Gas-Powered Lawnmowers

"We have to face facts," Mayor Seren said. "Turf grass lawns are an ecological disaster, and there are options that look better, require less mowing and maintenance, and are better for the environment."

Turf grass is the largest crop in the United States.
Lawns take up three times more land than any other irrigated crop and use ten times the amount of fertilizer and pesticide per acre than farms.
In some parts of the country, watering lawns accounts for 30% of water consumption.
Mowing contributes 5% of the country's annual air pollution and uses 800 million gallons of gas.
You would have to drive a car 100 miles to produce the same amount of air pollution as one hour of mowing.
On average, homeowners spend 70 hours a year mowing their lawns. So, every year, mowing your lawn produces more pollution than driving from New York to Los Angeles and back.

How to Participate in "Grow More May"

"We learned a lot from last year's No More May campaign," Seren said. "It all went into shaping this year's program."

To kick off Grow More May, the Cleveland Heights Parks and Recreation Department will co-host a "Grow More, Mow Less" event with Friends of Heights Parks and the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Cleveland Heights Community Center. The event will introduce residents to the idea of converting their lawns and moving away from turf grass.
Residents who want to participate in Grow More May will be asked to register their conversion project on the City's website.
Registered Grow More May participants will receive an "Urban Garden Project" yard sign to let their neighbors know they are participating.
The City will track and measure the environmental impact of Grow More May law conversions.

Coming Next Week

The Second North Coventry Neighborhood Planning Workshop

Tuesday, May 7

6:00–8:00 pm

Cleveland Heights Community Center

Cleveland Heights to host Climate Action and Resiliency Plan Visioning Workshop

Wednesday, May 8

7:00–8:30 pm

Cleveland Heights Community Center

The City of Cleveland Heights is embarking on a groundbreaking journey to create its very first Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CARP). In this CARP, we will identify strategies for the city and community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate impacts, while advancing our equity, sustainability, and resilience goals. This is an opportunity to come together, share our ideas, and co-create a vision for a sustainable future that reflects the values and aspirations of every member of our community.

To kick off our community engagement series, we are hosting a Visioning Workshop to gain insights on climate impacts facing Cleveland Heights and understand the community’s priorities for the CARP. And we want to hear from YOU! Whether you're passionate about renewable energy, sustainable transportation, or equitable access to resources, your input will shape the future of Cleveland Heights.

Refreshments and light snacks will be provided. Translation services can be arranged in advance upon request. Child-friendly activities will be available on-site.

RSVP to the event here

Cleveland Heights' Charter Review Commission to hold public meeting in May

Access Cleveland Heights Update

The City of Cleveland Heights has encountered a few unexpected challenges rolling out its new Access Cleveland Heights platform, which was expected to launch on April 1. We now expect the new app will be available to residents by mid-May. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

While the new mobile app is not yet live, you can still access Cleveland Heights by:

Calling the Mayor’s Action Center at (216) 291-2323;
Emailing the Mayor’s Action Center at mac@clevelandheights.gov;
Using the Access Cleveland Heights online service request portal;
Visiting the Mayor’s Action Center at Cleveland Heights City Hall.

We appreciate your patience during this transition and will let you know how to access the new app when it goes live.

Save These Dates!

Cleveland Heights'

Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Noon to 4:00 pm

Forest Hill Park

Second Annual Pride in the Park

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Noon to 4:30 pm

Cain Park

Both events will feature live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and activities for the whole family.

More details to come!

Cleveland Heights addresses concerns for businesses in Cedar-Lee District

From WEWS-Channel 5 News

There’s some relief coming for local business owners in Cleveland Heights’ Cedar-Lee District, who had concerns due to the construction of the Marquee at Cedar Lee.

News 5's coverage on this story began a little more than two weeks ago, and now the city says they have started making some progress.

One of the changes they made is paving a walkway near the area’s mini park.

“I’m not one to stay silent, especially when my business is on the line,” said CLE Urban Winery owner, Destiny Burns.

A little more than two weeks ago, News 5 spoke with Burns after she expressed the need for improvements in the Cedar-Lee district due to the development of the Marquee at Cedar Lee, and how the building’s construction had been impacting her business.

“Our receipts have been down probably like 30% since the construction started,” said Burns.

Since we last spoke, Mayor Kahlil Seren says the city has taken action.

“We have replaced all of the lighting in the parking garage,” said Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren.

Seren says the city adjusted the lighting, so they’re now on a timer rather than being motion detected.

“That allows for a bit more feeling safe and security in the garage, which I know that the, the business owners were hoping to increase,” said Seren.

Other changes the city has made include making surface parking outside of the garage more accessible for those with mobility issues and making repairs to the stairs and ramp that lead from the parking garage through the area’s mini park.

Enjoy The Arts: Catch early preview of Cain Park's 2024 season

Cain Park's Marketing Specialist Jessica Rosenblatt was stellar on Fox 8's New Day Cleveland show, appearing on May 2 and presenting a detailed run-through of the offerings to date in the 2024 Cain Park theatrical and performance season. "There's a lot of history here, and not a bad seat in the house."

Join The Alma Club by purchasing tickets to multiple shows in one transaction, and receive discounts, premium seating, and additional benefits.

The 2024 Cain Park Theater Season includes four shows:

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

May 31 – June 9

Big Fish

June 20 – 30

Hype Man

July 12 – 21

A View from the Bridge

September 6 – 15

Alma Club Levels

Debut Level 4 tickets / 2 or more performances – $120

Encore Level 8 tickets / 4 or more performances – $216

Ovation Level 10 or more tickets / 4 or more performances – $250

All tickets must be purchased on one transaction. The purchase must be made over the phone by calling 216-371-3000 or in person at the Cain Park Ticket Office.

Preview and Discount Performances do not apply.

The Heights Bicycle Coalition Joins Local and National Efforts for National Bike Month in May

Every year, cities across the nation celebrate National Bike Month in the month of May. During this annual celebration of bikes and the people who ride them, the Heights Bicycle Coalition (HBC) encourages residents in its footprint of Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, South Euclid and University Heights to get outside and ride.

There are numerous ways to participate in Bike Month through community rides, fix-it clinics, social gatherings, advocacy efforts, and more. The Heights Bicycle Coalition is hosting and supporting a variety of events that are free and open to all. Sunday, May 5 is National Ride a Bike Day and May 13 to 17 is National Bike to Work Week, which culminates with Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 17. Locally, HBC, Bike Cleveland and University Circle Inc. are hosting Bike to Work Day events. Between 7:00 and 9:00 am, bike commuters can stop at fueling stations in Cleveland Heights, Downtown Cleveland, and University Circle for breakfast treats and giveaways.

Local governments are also in support of Bike Month. On Monday, April 15, the City of

Cleveland Heights issued a resolution declaring May "Mary Dunbar Bike Month" as they do each year. And Shaker Heights City Council will soon issue their annual resolution declaring May Bike Month.

Upcoming Bike Events and Activities

Sunday, May 5 | Gather at 10:30, Ride at 11:00 am

Cedar Lee Bikes Monthly Ride

Cedar Lee Bikes: 2309 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights

A monthly bike ride on first Sundays led by Cleveland Heights bike shop, Cedar Lee Bikes. May 5 is also National Ride a Bike Day.

Monday, May 6 | Gather at 6:00 pm, Ride at 7:00 pm

Slow Roll Cleveland

University Circle: Wade Oval

Weekly Monday rides departing from a different location each week through the end of October.

Tuesday, May 14 - Saturday, May 18 | Various Times

NOACA Bike and Pedestrian Counts (Volunteers needed!)

Various Locations

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) seeks volunteers to help conduct annual bicycle and pedestrian counts. This data collection supports future planning, design, and the prioritization of multimodal transportation infrastructure.

Wednesday, May 15 | 6:30 pm

Ride of Silence (with Bike Cleveland)

Dolan Science Center, John Carroll University

The annual Ride of Silence honors bicyclists killed or injured by motorists by promoting sharing the road and increasing awareness of bike safety. Departing from the Dolan Science Center parking lot off Carroll Blvd.

Friday, May 17 | 7:30 to 9:00 am

Bike to Work (and Everywhere) Day

(with Bike Cleveland and University Circle Inc.)

Several Locations: Edgehill & Overlook; University Circle Inc (E. 100 & Euclid); and Detroit-Superior Bridge

Whether you bike to work or work from home, stop by one of these locations for breakfast snacks and giveaways in celebration of bike commuters and two-wheeled mobility.

Saturday, May 18 | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Get Outside & Play (and community ride)

Heights Library, 2345 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights

Spring into warm weather with outdoor activities for all ages! Enjoy a make-and-take garden activity and gear up for summer biking with the Heights Bicycle Coalition, which will hold a bike rodeo and family-friendly bike ride starting at 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, June 2 | Gather at 10:30/Ride at 11 am

Cedar Lee Bikes Monthly Ride

2309 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights

A monthly bike ride on first Sundays led by Cedar Lee Bikes in Cleveland Heights.

Tuesday, June 4 | Gather at 6:30/Ride at 7 pm

Heights Bicycle Coalition Tuesday Bike Rides

Victory Park, South Euclid

Join the Heights Bicycle Coalition for its recurring bike rides every other Tuesday at 6:30 pm, from June 4 through October 22. Start locations vary, see here for details.

Sunday, June 9 | 2:00 pm

Ride with the Mayor of University Heights

Walter Stinson Community Park at 1:30 p.m.

Parks and Recreation Programs

THIS SUNDAY!

Summer Pool Passes NOW ON SALE!

The City of Cleveland Heights is excited to announce that sales of individual or family passes for Cumberland Pool's summer swim season are now available at the Community Center.

Soccer and Camps

Skating

Adult Fitness and Wellness

Martial Arts

Other Programs

Upcoming Events

We Are Noble 2024 will be held May 17–19!

The annual neighborhood celebration kicks off with NobleFest at Noble School on Friday, May 17, and continues on Saturday, May 18, with Noble Gardeners' Market, the Home Repair Resource Center's tool sale and open house, Noble Road Presbyterian Church's pie sale and Oxford School's Carnival.

Visit our Website

Noble Road “Table Top Treasures” Flea Market May 17–19

Are you an artist? Have handcrafted wonders you'd like to sell? Collected fascinating items itching to find new homes?

Or, are you looking for fascinating new treasures for your home or office?

Come to the inaugural Noble Road “Table Top Treasures” Flea Market!

To celebrate our community and support the “We Are Noble” event on May 17-19, we are holding the first ever flea market here in the Monticello-Noble area.

The Home Repair Resource Center at 2520 Noble Road has graciously opened its parking lot for us to allow the set up of 10 tables of those wishing to sell their wares to Noble Road visitors and residents alike.

We are limiting our inaugural event to the first 10 vendors wanting to participate in this fun event. A $10 donation (made out to HRRC with “Noble Road” written in the memo line) will reserve a space for you to set up your table and chair. Only items that can sit on the table top are allowed for this Flea Market. Donations will support the great work and efforts of the HRRC and its staff here in the Noble Road area.

Sell or buy fascinating and fun treasures, meet your neighbors, and make new friends, and visit our nearby restaurants and retail spaces.

For information and to reserve your spot, email your name, email address, and phone number to:

Helen Hertz or Diane Hallum

Lake Erie Ink Teen Program

Grades 6-8

July 8-12 | 1-4pm | $125

Through hands-on activities, work-shops, and group projects, participants will learn the fundamentals of storytelling, script development, and creative content creation. Participants will have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life and share their creativity with the world. Whether it’s scripting a short film, creating engaging social media content, or developing a podcast, this camp empowers young creators to express themselves and explore the exciting world of digital media.

Grades 6-12

Mondays | 6:30-8pm

June 10-July 22 | FREE

Pride Outside is a unique program designed to provide a safe and inclusive space for young individuals within the LGBTQ+ community and allies to explore and express their creative writing talents. Through workshops, group discussions, and public art, teens will have the opportunity to develop their writing skills, hone their storytelling abilities, and contribute to a vibrant collection of LGBTQ+ literature.

Grades 9-12

Mondays & Tuesdays | July 8-30 | 5-8pm | FREE

Calling all podcasters and audio storytellers! In this intensive summer workshop just for teens, you’ll report, write and produce a short nonfiction audio story about your life or community… in just four weeks!

You’ll learn how to gather sound, do interviews, pull tape, write scripts… and get an awesome audio story together. Finished pieces will be shared in a special exhibition at the close of the workshop. Participants who complete the program and share their work at the exhibition will receive a stipend. Click here for more information.

Grades 6-12

Thursdays | 6:30-8pm | June 13-July 18 | FREE

Poetry in the Park is a teen program that invites young poets and poetry enthusiasts to come together and express themselves in the serene setting of a local park. This program provides a platform for teenagers to share their original poems, engage in open mic sessions, and participate in creative writing workshops.