The Heights Observer

Doug Katz opens new diner on Lee Road

James Henke — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:59:49 EDT

The new Katz Club Diner's grand opening is May 28.

Doug Katz, the chef who owns fire food & drink on Shaker Square and Provenance at the Cleveland Museum of Art, has opened a new restaurant in Cleveland Heights. Called The Katz Club Diner, the restaurant is located in the twin diner cars at 1975 Lee Road, across the street from Zagara’s Marketplace. Katz is holding a soft opening this week and a grand opening May 28.

Several other chefs attempted to run restaurants in the historic building modeled after railroad dining cars; but ultimately all failed. Katz, who lives on East Overlook, the street adjacent to the restaurant, believes he can succeed. “I live nearby,” he said, “and I watched all of the incarnations. I watched it, and I watched it, and I watched it fail.” When he found out the building was available, he worked out a deal.

Dug-9 seeks volunteers for Forest Hill Park

Alice Jeresko — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:48:12 EDT

Dug-9 and PAL Volunteers. Photo by Laura Dempsey
View Image Gallery

Dug-9 Greenspace, a new organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing and expanding greenspace and green infrastructure in the Dugway Brook and Nine Mile Creek watersheds, held its first Arbor Day event on April 27 in Forest Hill Park.

The group held a tree-planting event with trees provided by Cuyahoga ReLEAF, a program administered by the Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization. Twenty-three youth volunteers from the East Cleveland Police Athletic League (PAL) and area residents participated. Arborists from Forest City Tree Protection Co. also provided pruning demonstrations.

CH police join iWatch Northeast Ohio

Deanna Bremer Fisher — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:16:49 EDT

The Cleveland Heights Police Department has joined the iWatch Northeast Ohio mobile crime-watch program. The iWatch Northeast Ohio mobile phone app was launched by the Northeast Ohio Regional Fusion Center on May 13 and is available for the Apple, Android and BlackBerry operating systems.

Through the app, residents can report suspicious or criminal activity directly to police in real time using their mobile phones, tablets or computers. Residents can send text, photos and video. The tips are encoded so that they automatically remain anonymous, however, users have the option of sending police their contact information if they choose.

University Heights and Cleveland Heights plan Memorial Day events

Kim Sergio Inglis — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:09:03 EDT

Heights residents enjoy the University Heights Memorial Day Parade in 2012.

On Monday, May 27, the cities of University Heights and Cleveland Heights will observe Memorial Day with a parade (UH) and ceremony of remembrance (CH).

In University Heights, the city’s 47th annual Memorial Day parade will begin at 11 a.m. From its starting point at Silsby Road near Farland Road, the parade will travel east on Silsby to Belvoir Boulevard. There it turns south to end at John Carroll University (JCU).

At the parade’s end, at approximately noon, a memorial program will be held on the steps of the JCU Nanatorium. Bishop Neal Buckon , a University Heights native who served as an active duty officer in the U.S. Army for seven years, will speak at the program.

Shelley Pulling to lead Boulevard Elementary as principal

Heights Observer Editor — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:48:22 EDT

Shelley Pulling

The Cleveland Heights–University Heights City School District announced on May 20 that Shelley Pulling will become the new principal of Boulevard Elementary School on July 1.

Pulling takes over the position from Karen Muffley, who became interim principal of Boulevard Elementary on Nov. 26, after the district placed former principal Katrinka Dean on administrative leave.

“Dr. Karen Muffley did an excellent job serving as interim principal while we searched for a permanent replacement,” said Superintendent Douglas Heuer. “In addition, Dr. Muffley has already put a plan together to ensure Ms. Pulling’s smooth transition.”

CH-UH BOE to hold special meeting May 21

Deanna Bremer Fisher — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:40:29 EDT

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education will hold a special board meeting and work session on Tuesday, May 21, at the Board of Education building, 2155 Miramar Boulevard, University Heights, beginning at 7 p.m.

The agenda includes approval of several personnel issues, including the approval of teacher layoffs, a second reading of the New Teacher Evaluation Policy, a discussion of the elementary and middle school start and end times, and a discussion of the Lay Facilities Committee recommendations regarding school facilities.

A park at Meadowbrook and Lee?

Fran Mentch — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:38:59 EDT

One year, at a local holiday pottery sale, I bought my younger daughter a decorative plate; it is all black except for one corner where there is a rising yellow moon. Underneath the moon are the words, “The barn burned down, now I can see the moon.” I could never be that sanguine, but I am a firm believer that change creates opportunity. My point? The Orlean Company’s plan to build apartments and retail on the city-owned property at Meadowbrook and Lee fell through. I don’t know why.

Students earn nursing credential

Joy Henderson — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:00:55 EDT

Heights High seniors who earned their State Tested Nursing Aid credential are: Front row (from left): Sharolyn Allmond, Lauren Harris, Aliyah McKiry, Kaela Rucker; Back row: Diamond Allen, Miracle Metcalf, Kayla Miller, Lakiana Holley, Darlene Mills, with teacher Nancy Ballou, RN. Not pictured: Tashina Dudley.

All 10 seniors in the Clinical Health Careers program at Cleveland Heights High School have passed the State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) certification test. This credential qualifies students for jobs and prepares them for college-level medical programs.

The students mastered 40 nursing skills and were evaluated in a written test March 7.

“Preparing for the test was stressful,” said Aliyah McKiry. “But I know it was worth it because I just got a job at Montefiore nursing home.” McKiry was also preparing for the ACT test of general college readiness and keeping up with her classes.

All of the students plan to attend college in the fall to study nursing or another health-care occupation. The schools they plan to attend include Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, Ursuline College, the University of Toledo and the University of Akron.

Youth of Coventry members feel their voices aren't being heard

Simone Quartell — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:50:01 EDT

When Nora Eagen, head of Youth of Coventry, heard that the City of Cleveland Heights was planning to start a Youth Advisory Commission, she was concerned that the city's idea was too similar to her group's mission.

Eagan believes that the Youth Advisory Commission's purpose "mirrored that of Youth of Coventry" and that they should have been consulted before the city decided to form the commission. Eagan, a Hawken School junior and a Cleveland Heights resident, said Youth of Coventry's purpose is to get youth of Cleveland Heights involved in city politics and improve their community. She addressed City Council at its March 4 meeting about her concerns. “We deserve to considered, not pushed to the side,” she said.

UH City Council meeting agenda for May 20

Kim Sergio Inglis — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:19:05 EDT

The University Heights City Council has posted the agenda for its May 20 meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at University Heights City Hall. The council meeting will be preceded by a meeting of the Safety Committee at 6:30 p.m., where ice cream truck legislation will be discussed.

The agenda includes a second reading of an ordinance authorizing transfer of funds from the General Fund to the police and fire pension funds, and a first reading of a "Code Red" (reverse 911) ordinance.

CH City Council meeting agenda for May 20

Kim Sergio Inglis — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:29:01 EDT

The Cleveland Heights City Council has posted the agenda for its May 20 meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Cleveland Heights City Hall.

The report from the director of finance/clerk of council includes notifying council that one notice has been received from the Ohio Department of Liquor Control advising that application has been made by the following:

Phoenician Tavern, Ltd., 7944 S. Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, Ohio 45040, TREX, D1, D2, to Vero Bistro, Inc. located at 12421 Cedar Road, 44106.

The Planning and Development Committee will present a resolution giving authorization to the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Ruffing Montessori School to permit the use of a City public right-of-way for ecological and educational purposes.

Tiger TV News: For students by students

Joy Henderson — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:07:00 EDT

Heights High junior Antonio Harper (left) and senior Bryan Clark are members of the Tiger TV News club that produces a regular news program for and about Heights High students.

The Tiger TV News Club at Cleveland Heights High School is producing a new program: “Tiger TV News: For Students, By Students.”

Perhaps the best news is that anyone can watch it. The first edition is on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gm5nVaMEAs

Posted in late March, the first show includes coverage of the school talent show auditions, reviews of the video game “NBA 2K13” and the movie “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” season overviews of the bowling and boys’ basketball teams, and a feature on Heights alumus Jon Hayden and his Coventry Road shop, Focused Tattoo.

HRRC offers carpentry repair classes for women

Rebecca Stager — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:13:01 EDT

2012 Home How-To for Women participants learn to repair windows from volunteer instructor Eliot Watts. Photo by Rebecca Stager.

Designed for women who want to learn how to make home repairs themselves, HRRC’s Home How-To for Women course in Carpentry Repairs will cover how to install ceramic tile, repair windows, build handrails, repair plaster and drywall, and complete other carpentry projects. The Carpentry Repairs module will include eight two-hour classes, held on Wednesday evenings from June 5 through July 31 at HRRC’s Teaching Center in Cleveland Heights.

Applications are now being accepted, and early registration is suggested. Only 18 spots are available, to encourage small-group learning. Tuition is $120 for Cleveland Heights residents and $150 for nonresidents; low-income participants are eligible for reduced rates.

Cleveland Heights - University Heights Board of Education meeting highlights 5-7-2013

League of Women Voters — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:16:59 EDT

MAY 7, 2013

Heights High musicians recognized
Continuing contracts
Lay Facilities Committee (LFC)
Gearity 4th grade trip
School transportation options
Teacher evaluation policy
Donations
Property tax collection
Heights tennis team champions
Acknowledgements

All board members were present.

City of CH extends RFP deadline

Deanna Bremer Fisher — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:57:33 EDT

On May 15, the City of Cleveland Heights announced that it has extended the deadline for submittal of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) until June 6 for five city-owned properties.

Links to the RFPs for new development on Euclid Heights Boulevard near Lee Road, at the intersection of Cedar and Coventry roads, on Noble Road near Greyton Road, at the Turkey Ridge site on Edgehill Road, and at Noble Road between Greyton and Woodview roads can be found at http://www.clevelandheights.com/index.aspx?page=365.

Kosovo Youth Exchange Program seeks host families in the Heights

Madeline Rife — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:44:25 EDT

The 2012–13 KYEP class, with CCWA Executive Director Maura O'Donnell-McCarthy.

The Cleveland Council on World Affairs (CCWA) is seeking host families for its Kosovo Youth Exchange Program (KYEP) for the upcoming school year, when Cleveland Heights High School’s Renaissance International School will welcome up to three students. The application deadline is May 25.

“Opening myself up to a new family and a new culture was the best decision of my life,” said Dorotea, one this year’s KYEP students. A sophomore from Pristina, Kosovo, she is studying at Magnificat High School, where she’s made friends, joined the debate team, and made the honor roll. Along with other Cleveland-based KYEP students—Gresë, also a student at Magnificat, and Arbias, enrolled at Mayfield High School—Dorotea is taking advantage of what the program has to offer. Gresë agrees that her experience has been life-changing: “The friendships I have created are priceless. I am very lucky!”

Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights 5-6-13

League of Women Voters — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:55:34 EDT

MAY 6, 2013

Citizen comments
Bicycle legislation
National Preservation Month
Savings on bonds interest
Community Development Block Grants
Special Improvement Districts (SIDs)
Water and sewer code
Equipment purchases
Zoning variances
Bluestone Mayfield development
Tax abatements
Nighttown expansion
Phoenix Coffee loan
Building code alignment
Amusement devises
New ambulance

Council Member Janine Boyd was absent.

City requests help with AT&T utility boxes

Heights Observer Editor — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:28:32 EDT

The City of Cleveland Heights is asking residents to help identify AT&T utility boxes at which landscaping should be replaced. Residents should send photos of the box and the location (the nearest building’s address) to Richard Wong, director of planning, at rwong@clvhts.com, by May 24.

AT&T has offered to improve the landscaping that surrounds the boxes, however, it would like to initiate all of the work at one time. The company identifies its boxes with stick-on letters and numbers, such as those in the adjacent photo.

Brick streets are one of the city's many assets

Larry Anderson — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:20:40 EDT

To the Editor:

I am worried about one of the opinions expressed by Mary Dunbar in her article "Cleveland Heights road repairs" [Heights Observer, April 1]. Ms. Dunbar wrote, "Though charming, Cleveland Heights's few remaining brick roads can be cost prohibitive to maintain. Covering them with asphalt improves driving safety and makes repairs affordable."

This seems to me to be a curious statement from a member of Cleveland Heights City Council. Cleveland Heights is blessed with many charming homes, commercial buildings and parks. If we only consider cost, I guess it is true that all of our charming assets could be replaced with alternatives that would make them less "cost prohibitive to maintain," but then Cleveland Heights would be just another suburban clone community.

Bicyclists ride to CH City Council meeting

Deanna Bremer Fisher — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:42:15 EDT

HBC members (from left) Corrie Holliday, Ian Hoffman, Greta De Meyer, Brandon Henneman, Walter De Meyer and Joy Henderson rode to the CH City Council meeting on May 6, along with HBC member Lee Reis, who took the picture.

To mark the start of Bike Month, a group of Heights Bicycle Coalition (HBC) members rode from the arch at Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park to Cleveland Heights City Hall to address the city council at its May 6 meeting.

At the meeting, Brandon Henneman, HBC spokesperson, thanked Cleveland Heights City Council and staff for making the city more bicycle-friendly and suggested new ways of collaboration.

Henneman thanked council for designating the month of May Bike Month. He also thanked the city for increasing the number of bike racks in commercial districts, including bike officers on its police force, adding designated bicycle lanes to North Park Boulevard, adding bicycle-friendly provisions to the city’s Sustainable Zoning Code, collaborating with HBC to improve connections between University Circle, and adding bicycle infrastructure to the resurfacing project at Edgehill Road.