Cleveland · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cleveland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
State Vocational Planning Center Landmark Designation
The city is officially recognizing the historic former Cleveland Trust Company branch at Kamm's Corners as a landmark to celebrate neighborhood history and architecture.
St. Jerome and St. Mary of the Assumption Landmark Amendments
Several community fixtures, including the Beachland Ballroom and two historic churches, are up for official landmark designations. This status helps preserve their architectural and cultural heritage within Cleveland's neighborhoods.
Short-Term Rental Regulation and Licensing
The city is implementing a new licensing system, strict fines, and a 10% density cap to crack down on disruptive short-term party houses while allowing responsible hosts to operate.
Sapirstein Garage Landmark Designation
The city approved landmark protection for the modest Glenville garage where American Greetings was founded, sparking debate among council members over preserving unique history versus managing dilapidated structures.
Central Avenue Vacation for Bedrock Development
The city is vacating a small paper street portion of Central Avenue to make way for Bedrock's Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center project. This allows the developer to shape their driveway and entrance area.
Form Based Code Pilot Program Expansion
The city will hire a consultant to fix problems found in the form-based code pilot — like the mid-block parking lot that sparked outrage in Detroit Shoreway — but council stripped expansion language after concerns about being committed to citywide rollout. Any actual zoning change still requires a separate council vote.
Cleveland Landmark designations for three historic buildings
Two Glenville churches and the Beachland Ballroom in Collinwood get landmark protection. One church was designed by Robert P. Madison, Ohio's first Black licensed architect, and the Beachland anchors the Waterloo Arts District. Designation protects these buildings but means exterior changes go through landmarks review.
Lorain Antiques Design Review District
Cleveland is adding a new design review zone along Lorain Avenue to protect historic storefronts and ensure new infill construction fits the neighborhood's character.