Judy Burichin

The Strongsville Economic Development Strategic Plan aims to position the City of Strongsville as the premiere community for businesses and quality of life in northeast Ohio. It is built upon three core strategies: expanding developable land, creating an improved workforce development program, and developing a resilient base of local businesses. Key actions include growing industrial parks, leveraging funding for small and medium-sized businesses, refining business retention and expansion protocols, and redeveloping workforce development initiatives to address employment challenges.

The Strongsville City Council held a meeting to discuss various topics, including a review of legislation by the Communications & Technology Committee regarding the purchase of computer equipment. There was also a discussion about marketing vacant industrial land on Foltz Industrial Parkway. Additionally, the council addressed the increasing use of eBikes and the need for community education on eBike regulations, potentially including safety classes and ordinance considerations. A public hearing was scheduled for July 14, 2025, concerning the rezoning of land.

The caucus reviewed legislation, including Ordinance 2013-075 to remove accessory use for recreation facilities from General Industrial zoning and Ordinance 2014-026 authorizing a grant of easement for sidewalk improvements. Discussion also included a letter from the BZA regarding a pylon sign request. The regular meeting involved a public hearing on Ordinance 2013-261 to rezone property for a hotel, with significant discussion on traffic, noise, and the impact on neighboring residents. Committee reports covered various topics, including a third-grade reading guarantee program, road improvements, and economic development. Audience participation included concerns about rezoning near residential areas and the impact on traffic.

The meeting involved discussions and actions across various committees. Key topics included land designation changes, subdivision development, antenna replacements, school construction, budget amendments, ambulance and handgun purchases, grant approvals, pavement services, architectural contracts, 911 system improvements, and codified ordinance updates. Reports were given on the Southwest General Health Center levy, school board activities, and economic development initiatives. A resident raised concerns about snow removal in their neighborhood. The meeting concluded with various ordinance and resolution approvals and miscellaneous business items.

The caucus and regular meeting addressed various ordinances, including zoning changes, amendments to the Town Center District, and infrastructure funding applications. Discussions included the Pearl Road widening project, traffic light patterns, emergency sewer repairs, and the sale of obsolete property. The meetings also covered appointments to the Planning Commission, a DARE grant application, copier replacement, and a conditional objection to a liquor permit. Public hearings were held for ordinances related to zoning changes and Town Center District improvements, with public comments received. Reports from various council committees and city departments were presented, along with updates on projects such as the Foltz Parkway extension and the new middle school groundbreaking.