Joe O’Donnell

The strategic plan for the City of Euclid, Ohio, from 2025 to 2029, focuses on addressing the needs of low- and moderate-income residents, persons with special needs, and homeless individuals and families. Key areas of focus include affordable housing, non-homeless persons with special needs, and non-housing community development. The plan outlines goals such as improving and expanding affordable housing, providing needed public services, increasing economic opportunities, and municipal beautification projects. These initiatives aim to enhance neighborhood stability, improve access to services, revitalize commercial and industrial areas, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

The 2018-2019 Euclid City Council Goals outline key priorities across various areas. Financial strategies include reviewing tax structures for potential revenue enhancement, exploring levy/bond options, and making a definitive decision on a revenue strategy by June 30, 2018. The Master Plan implementation is a key focus, with "quick wins" including creating pocket parks, beautifying underpasses, upgrading city signage and website, and assigning a point person for Master Plan communication by May 1, 2018. Safety initiatives involve enhancing the relationship between the police department and residents, developing a crisis management strategy, and ensuring officer training and wellness. City assets, including the Shore Cultural Center and Briardale Golf Course, will undergo reviews of their operations, management, and potential improvements. Marketing efforts will include realtor tours to promote neighborhoods and the industrial corridor. Neighborhood revitalization will involve establishing a Community Development Corporation (CDC) by March 1, 2019, with a business plan by September 1, 2019. Housing and building processes will focus on code review, enforcement, and developing a "Concierge Services" process for businesses by the end of 2018. Green infrastructure initiatives include a downspout disconnect program and exploring green space use. City ordinances will be reviewed for consistency with the ORC, and an "Assets Events" structure will be developed by July 1, 2018, to coordinate city events and resources. Finally, the council will actively participate in the Strategic Healthcare Committee to monitor healthcare expenses and benefits.

The 2020-2021 Euclid City Council Goals outline key priorities across various areas. Financial goals include reviewing tax structures for potential revenue enhancement and regular financial updates. The Master Plan implementation is a key focus, encouraging public-private partnerships and infrastructure investment in commercial districts and neighborhood centers. Safety initiatives include supporting police and fire departments, enhancing resident-police relations, and exploring a safety levy. City asset management involves formulating a plan for property disposition, developing a long-term capital funding strategy, and exploring alternatives for the Shore Cultural Centre, including potential repurposing. Briardale Greens Golf Course will undergo analysis to determine its future sustainability. Community relations and development goals include promoting community engagement, modernizing the city logo, and establishing neighborhood character areas. Neighborhood initiatives focus on forming a Community Development Corporation (CDC) and revitalizing Euclid Avenue. Housing and building processes involve enforcing ordinances, reviewing housing incentive programs, and updating the planning and zoning code. Sustainability efforts include adopting zero-waste principles, expanding green infrastructure, and determining the future use of green space. Finally, a review of city ordinances will ensure compliance with state statutes, and a consistent communications strategy will be developed.

The Executive and Finance Committee meeting on February 19th, 2020, included a budget presentation by Shore Cultural Center. Key discussion points involved Shore's conservative budgeting approach, a projected reduction in income and increase in expenses, and the securing of grant funds for window replacements. The committee also discussed strategies for repurposing or revitalizing Shore, including exploring options for isolating the East Wing and attracting new tenants or anchor users. The budget included repairs and maintenance, utilities, holiday lighting expenses, and payroll for full-time and part-time employees, as well as volunteer contributions. The replacement of windows was a significant topic, with discussion of funding sources, potential contractors, and the impact on the building's historical designation.

The Commercial Development Committee meeting focused on a request to rezone 1.1 acres from a U8 district to a U4 retail district at the General Motors inland site on Euclid Avenue to accommodate the construction of a 7489-square-foot retail facility. The request, submitted by the property owner (an affiliate of HGR) and developer (Zaremba Group), was recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The discussion included the facility's location, setbacks, driveway placement, and its alignment with the city's master plan, which recommends revisiting the highly restrictive U8 office district. The committee also reviewed the developer's modifications to the plans to address concerns about the mini station, a future recreational trail, and traffic light conflict. The meeting included presentations from the administration, the development team, the engineer, and the regional operations manager for Dollar General.