Division of Community Relations
216-291-2323
comrel@clvhts.com
A vital link between City Hall and its residents, Community Relations promotes communication between City Council, City staff and residents.
Community Relations responsibilities include the:
- coordination of community neighborhood and street meetings
- formation of block clubs
- printing of street newsletters and flyers (free of charge)
- scheduling of block parties, block party barricade reservations and street party equipment
- distribution of information packets to new homeowners and renters
- coordination of City Hall tours.
In addition, Community Relations Assistants make every effort to respond to neighborhood concerns as quickly as possible to ensure that issues are resolved before they accelerate into more serious situations. If you have a neighborhood concern, feel free to contact Community relations at 216-291-2323 or jalandt@clvhts.com.
Street Associations
Street associations in Cleveland Heights date back as early as 1917 and many streets in our community have long-standing traditions. They hold block parties, gourmet dinners, take part in parades and also hold street meetings. Some streets meet regularly; others have occasional meetings to discuss specific issues or areas of concern. Street associations give neighbors an opportunity to get to know each other, work together to solve common problems, have some fun and strengthen a sense of community.
Starting a Street Club - Every street has its own character, so each street association is unique and exists to meet the needs of the people who live there. A small nucleus of interested neighbors is all it takes to start the process. Here are some suggestions:
- Set a meeting date. Weekday evenings seem to be best. To increase attendance, prepare flyers (which can be printed free of charge at City Hall; bring them to Community Relations) and personally invite your neighbors.
- Plan an agenda in advance. For the first meeting, you may want to get acquainted with your neighbors by holding an informal get-together.
- You may want to select a speaker for the evening. The Community Relations Assistant for your neighborhood will be happy to help you.
- After your first gathering, consider the following for your street meeting:
- Discuss what a street association is and how it can work for you.
- Establish a workable structure, choose leadership (ask for volunteers!).
- Set up committees for future activities (block party, special events, street newsletter, etc.) or begin working on street concerns.
- Schedule the next meeting.
 Block Parties
The City will provide barricades to keep your street free from traffic during party hours. To reserve street barricades, contact Community Relations at least two weeks before the party. You will need to provide:
- the date and time of the block party;
- the name, address and phone number of the person to receive the barricades;
- the street to be blocked;
- the intersections to be barricaded.
The barricades will be delivered to the contact person's tree lawn on the last workday before the block party.
Make the day fun! The City will provide a volleyball and net free of charge. Tie the net between two trees and have fun! Reserve the equipment when you call for barricades and pick it up at City Hall on the last workday before the party. There is a limited number of volleyballs, so equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Other ideas for a fun party are relay races or a water balloon toss, a bicycle parade, white elephant sale, pet show, baking contest or a talent show.
Year-round activities - Don't stop at a summer block party! Have fun all year long. Here are a few ideas:
- Swimming party - Cool off on a hot summer evening. Call 216-691-7373 for information.
- Theatre Party at Cain Park - Enjoy an evening of entertainment; see www.cainpark.com
- Skating Party - Call 216-691-7373 for more information.
- Potluck Dinner - Put together the recipes for a street cookbook!
- Tool Pool - Share tools with your neighbors.
- Holiday Parties - Halloween or harvest party, caroling in the winter, etc.
Good Neighbor Reminders
Curfew - Parents and guardians have the responsibility for enforcing curfew regulations. Those found guilt of curfew violations will be referred to Juvenile Court. Children under 12 may not be out on public streets, sidewalks, public parks or public grounds from the onset of darkness until 6:00 am. Youngsters between 12 and 15 cannot be out between 10:30 pm and 6:00 am. 16-17 year-olds may not be out between midnight and 6:00 am.
For safety's sake - No one should play games in the street. Children should be encouraged to play in their own front and back yards.
Noise - The City has a noise ordinance that prohibits unreasonably loud or disturbing noise by voice, musical instrument, amplification, television, car, etc. between the hours of 9:00 pm and 7:00 am. If noise gets too loud from a neighboring property, you may wish to ask your neighbors, if you feel comfortable doing so, to lower their music, voices, etc. If, after speaking to them, the noise level does not improve, or, if you feel you cannot speak to them. Call the Police Department non-emergency number at 216-321-1234. Sometimes the noise stops before the police arrive. If loud noise from a neighboring property is an ongoing problem, call Community Relations at 216-291-2323. A letter will be sent to your neighbors asking them to call Community Relations to discuss the problem. In an emergency situation, of course, call 9-1-1.
Pets -
- Only two dogs or cats, or a combination of one each, are allowed per dwelling.
- Only domestic animals are permitted as pets in the city of Cleveland Heights.
- Dogs should be leashed at all times when they are outside, and owners must not permit the dog to bark or howl to the extent that it disturbs the peace.
- Owners must also remove all feces deposited by their pets on public or private property.
- To protect our pets and neighbors, a pet should always be kept on a leash when going for a walk or any other time the pet leaves its home. This will reduce the chances of the pet wandering away and possibly hurting itself and others.
- Cats should be kept indoors and provided toys, companionship and a clean litter box. Stray cats may fight noisily and become a nuisance to neighbors.
- All dogs must wear valid license tags issued by the county and available from the Treasury window at City Hall.
- Adopt a homeless pet! Contact Community Relations at 216-291-2323 or comrel@clvhts.com for more information.
- For more information concerning animals, see Animal Protective Unit.
Litter - If you see litter in your neighborhood, please be a good neighbor and pick it up promptly. Be sure to remind your children not to discard candy wrappers and other litter around the neighborhood.
Trespassing - No person, without privilege to do so, shall enter or remain on the land of another when the offender knows he is in violation of such restriction. Children should be reminded to avoid trespassing on neighbors' lawns and yards, and to respect elderly residents on the street.
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