The Community Connection January Newsletter

January 2021 | Issue 3

From My Desk to Your Inbox

There is much to be excited about in 2021 for the City of Mayfield Heights. The feasibility study for the park and pool is underway; city events and programs will gradually resume in the coming months; and additional streets have been added to the 2021 road and sidewalk programs, thanks to Issue 9 funds. We are keeping the promises made and will continue to update you on any advancements in these areas.

The Mayland property of over 12.8 acres has begun preparing for redevelopment. Although plans have not yet been submitted, the property owner envisions building a friendly, walkable multiplex with a park-like green space for the community to enjoy. Planning will be a joint effort between the city and the developers. The hope is for this property to be the “jewel” of the city.

As you can see, 2021 brings significant community projects to the forefront. I encourage you to stay informed and involved with the city to keep abreast of project updates. We have a lot to be excited about, so let us look upon the new year with optimism and hope for each other and the city.

Anthony DiCicco, Mayor/Safety Director

Department Briefs

COVID Testing

& Inoculations Sites

Hillcrest Hospital is setting up a COVID testing site on the north campus. Ultimately, it will be used for vaccine inoculations. Additionally, CVS Eastgate is setting up a COVID “Rapid Testing” site in their side parking lot adjacent to SOM Center.

Projects Under Review

Krispy Kreme - at the former Ditto’s site.

Starbucks - at the former Sonic site. This location will be part of the Mayland redevelopment project. The SOM Center Starbucks will remain open.

Play - demolition as part of the Mayland redevelopment project.

McDonald’s - redesign of their storefront.

Under Construction

Temple of Israel - a 7200 sq. ft. classroom addition

Mayfield Middle School - ongoing interior and exterior upgrades

New Businesses

Diamond King - Golden Gate

Huntington Learning Center – Golden Gate

Crafty Crab – former TGIFridays

Soccer Village - 1265 SOM Center

Dorsky International - 6105 Parkland in the Elk and Elk building

Rent Assistance

Cuyahoga County has a program to help tenants and landlords with rent assistance.

www.neorenthelp.org or call 833-377-7768

Click here for more information.

Paramedics Receive COVID Vaccine

MHFD paramedics received COVID-19 vaccinations in December. Vaccines were provided by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Fire Chiefs Association.

Keep Fire Hydrants

Visible & Clear of Ice and Snow

Wintry weather can create fire safety hazards such as obstructed fire hydrants due to ice or heavy snow accumulations.

To help reduce the hazard, the American Red Cross recommends keeping a clearing of three feet around the hydrant for easy accessibility. Additionally, the MHFD suggests maintaining a shoveled path from the street or driveway to the fire hydrant so that it is visible from the road and easily accessible to firefighters.

Why It Matters

In an emergency, every second counts. Fire hydrants that are blocked, concealed, or difficult to access can impede emergency fire response. Fire trucks carry a finite amount of water, so one of the first tasks for responders is to locate a water supply from the nearest hydrant. Hydrants covered in snow can be difficult to locate and uncovering them can waste valuable time during a firefight. Keeping hydrants clear provides easier access to water and more time doing what really matters – fighting the fire.

Giving Back to the Community

Many MHPD officers spent December volunteering their time to “give back” to the community. Deserving area families were recipients of food and toys made possible by generous donations from community members and city employees. Special thanks to Walmart for hosting the annual food drive and providing a $2500 grant to assist with children’s gifts.

On December 23, officers participated in Operation Santa’s Sleigh. This special operation gathers officers from various Ohio police departments to simultaneously drive around children’s hospitals and veterans' homes with emergency lights activated. This is an event enjoyed by recipients and officers alike.

Clear the roads!

As we proceed into the winter season, please avoid on-street parking so snowplows can clear roads. Snow bans may go into effect if a large snowfall is expected. Remember that on-street parking between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. is prohibited.

Help us help you!

Please do your part to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime. Ensure your home and car doors are locked and DO NOT leave your keys in your vehicle.

Be our eyes and ears!

Join Neighborhood Watch to receive updates on current crimes, learn important safety tips, and voice your concerns. Help set up a watch program on your street.

The Police Department takes pride in serving our residents. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 440-442-2323 with any questions or concerns. SEE IT, HEAR IT, REPORT IT!

No Spring Leaf Collection

Fall leaf collection ended 12/31. There is no spring collection. Please set bagged leaves out on your regular trash collection day.

Mailbox Repair

The Service Department will replace or repair mailboxes damaged solely by a department vehicle. A temporary mailbox will be provided if the mailbox is unrepairable at the time of damage.

Household Hazardous Waste Program

Program is suspended until spring 2021.

Snow Plowing

The Service Department is equipped with 6 functioning salt trucks, 3 pick-up trucks, and 2 one-ton dump trucks to manage winter operations. With over 100 residential streets, 6 main roads, and the corporate park area in the city, the service department's priority is to clear the main roads during a snow event. Your patience is appreciated as the snowplow crews do their best to clear all roads in a safe and timely fashion.

Weekly Recycling and Bulk Pick-up

Weekly recycling has returned! Place recycle container out with your regular refuse container on your designated pickup day. Please remember, refuse and recycling containers are not permitted to be out prior to 6:00 p.m. the night before your designated pickup day.

Effective January 1, Kimble will pick up all additional bulk items (e.g. appliances, furniture, etc.), placed on residential tree lawns, on your designated pick-up day only. Please contact Kimble at 1-800-201-0005 when disposing of large bulk items to ensure drivers are aware of the address and the item to be picked up. The Service Department will continue to assist as needed with bulk items that are too heavy or too large for Kimble trucks.

From the Finance Department

The beginning of the new year means tax season is not far away. The Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) handles all municipal income tax reporting and filings for the City of Mayfield Heights. RITA has a team of agents that can answer your questions, or aid with tax preparation, as well as provide helpful information and filing capabilities on their website. They can be reached at www.ritaohio.com or 1-800-860-7482.

From the Parks & Recreation Department

The Mayfield Heights Parks & Recreation Department is looking forward to 2021! Although COVID-19 limited many of the programs and events in 2020, plans for developing multi-use trails in the city progressed, and the planning process for a new pool and park upgrades is underway. These future projects are exciting, but we realize they will not happen overnight.

Two Grants Received

The city received two grants for infrastructure improvements to the Marsol Road bridge underpass and some crosswalks. The plan is to develop trails throughout the city, with a long-term goal of connecting to the Mayfield Village Trail that leads to the Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation. There will be visible movement on this project in 2021.

Feasibility Study Underway

A park property feasibility study led by the City Engineer has commenced. The study involves:

· Environmental site assessment

· Boundary survey

· Underground utility identification

· Pool and community center size and layout determination

· Parking evaluation

· Stormwater analysis

Advertisement for park and pool architects will follow the study, which is estimated to begin in the first part of 2021.

2021 Programs & Events

Programs will start slowly in 2021, but as the weather begins to change, you will see programs and special events you have come to expect. The Parks & Recreation Department is excited for 2021. We have rolled up our sleeves and leaped into the new year with great expectations!