April 7 forum to discuss land use issues, such as Oakwood

FutureHeights will host an educational forum at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 7 at Forest Hill Church, 3031 Monticello Blvd. in  Cleveland Heights, to explore the issues and long-term implications of redevelopment projects, such as the one proposed for the former Oakwood Club property.

The event will focus on current and future land use and development needs and priorities for Cleveland Heights, University Heights and South Euclid within the context of Greater Cleveland.

Three panelists are expected to participate. They are Terry Schwarz, director of Kent State University's Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative; Ed Jerse, director of regional collaboration for Cuyahoga County; and Hunter Morrison, director of the newly formed Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium.

Forum speakers will address topics of particular interests to residents of the Heights and South Euclid, including:

• Retail needs and opportunities in Cleveland's eastern suburbs.
• Housing trends, needs, and opportunities in older suburbs.
• Long-term and regional perspectives on how to balance the need for green space with high quality of life, and sustainable revenue streams for local governments.

FutureHeights is committed to promoting opportunities for the community to be educated on the issues and participate in the public process. This forum will emphasize that, regardless of the outcome, process is important and citizens should be involved in the decisions that affect them and their neighborhoods. Decisions about land use and development should take into consideration long-term implications, short-term benefits, and the impacts on surrounding communities. Residents of South Euclid, Cleveland Heights and University Heights, and any other interested citizens, are encouraged to attend.