Covered by Documenters Joanna Tomassoni (notes) and Stesia Swain (live-tweet thread)
Culture shift
Several Cleveland Cultural Gardens have made changes without getting designs approved, according to city planning staff. The issue came up during a commission discussion about additions at the Serbian Cultural Garden, which the Cleveland Landmarks Commission approved. The city and the Cultural Gardens Federation want to improve the process. Mayor Justin Bibb’s office is aware because of the gardens’ political nature, according to Director of City Planning Joyce Pan Huang. A solid review process helps make sure installations are culturally appropriate, she said.
Solar standards
Cleveland is also reviewing its guidelines for solar panel installations. The city wants to refine the review process for those projects, a staff member said. The topic came up as the commission approved the addition of 14 solar panels on an Ohio City home.
New here
The Cleveland Landmarks Commission approved new design review committee (DRC) members. DRCs review projects first and make recommendations to the Landmarks Commission. The new appointees:
- Connor Wollenzier, Little Italy DRC
- Emily Scheffler, Magnolia-Wade Park, East Boulevard, Grantwood Allotments DRC
- Christopher Persons, Ohio City DRC
- Rachel Pearce, Historic Gateway & Warehouse Districts DRC
Starbucked
An Edgewater Starbucks wants to renovate some signage and its drive-through, but the commission denied the proposal. Commission Member Michele Anderson cited noise as a concern. Commission Chair Julie Trott said the plans would make the parking lot more dangerous for pedestrians and circulating cars.
Design review committees also make recommendations to the Cleveland City Planning Commission. Learn more about DRCs.
