Mayor's Report

Summer 2023 looks exciting and entertaining as some of our important initiatives are taking shape. Starting this month and continuing throughout the summer, portions of the Chagrin River and the East Branch of the Chagrin River at Daniels Park will be closed to the public as river corridor restoration activities begin to improve the river’s health. The restoration project is being led by Chagrin River Watershed Partners in coordination with the City and funded through an H2Ohio grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Dam remnants will be removed from the Chagrin River, eroding riverbanks will be stabilized along the Chagrin River south of Johnnycake Ridge Road, and restoration of the East Branch tributary of the Chagrin River to a more stable configuration to reduce erosion and sedimentation south of Johnnycake Ridge Road. A wetland will be created in the former channel of the East Branch to create a habitat for spawning fish, waterfowl, and native plant species. Upon completion, the project will improve the health of the Chagrin River, reduce sediment and nutrient pollution in Lake Erie, improve fish habitat for salmonid species such as steelhead, increase safe and public access to the river, and enhance connections to other protected areas in the Chagrin River corridor. Community members can expect Daniels Park to remain open throughout the project, but areas along the Chagrin River will be temporarily fenced off during construction to maintain safety for all park visitors. During active construction, public access to the Chagrin River channel will be restricted in certain areas; signage will be posted. Access to the Chagrin River for fishing and other activities will resume after construction.

Our Summer Concert Series started with the Osborne Park Sunset Concerts in June, and the Gazebo Concerts are Thursday evenings beginning on July 6th through August 31^st. Our final sunset concert is on August 30th at Osborne Park. The full lineup of artists can be found on our website. A rack card with all summer events is available in our City Hall lobby.

We also want to remind our neighbors of a few “good neighbor” behaviors. Please refrain from using power tools and other equipment during early morning hours. Also, pets must be leashed in our downtown and public parks. Finally, please remember to dispose of lawn clippings on your property. Off-site disposal of yard waste and lawn clippings is prohibited.

As always, we asked that all residents be aware of any unusual activity in your neighborhoods. If you observe suspicious vehicles, people, or behavior, please report these to our Police Department. Our safety forces rely on community involvement, and we have a shared responsibility to look after our neighbors.

Have a safe and wonderful summer!