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City’s Future

Learn how the new Mayfield Heights Master Plan will shape the city’s next 20 years and why community input matters.

WHAT WILL MAYFIELD HEIGHTS LOOK LIKE IN THE DECADES TO COME?

To help answer that question, the city is embarking on a new master plan. This comprehensive policy guide will serve as a strategic roadmap, designed to capture a shared community vision and shape the city’s development over the next 10 to 20 years.

“A lot of communities don’t have a culture of planning, but it’s important,” says Jeremy Rowan, the city’s economic development director. “It creates an environment of certainty for residents and helps attract businesses. It shows we’re a community that knows where it’s going.”

Since the city’s last plan was adopted 20-plus years ago, significant shifts in housing preferences, retail formats, office space use and transportation have created new challenges and opportunities for reinvestment. A master plan provides a framework for the planning commission and city council to evaluate development proposals. It addresses critical topics like land use, housing, economic development, parks and public facilities, helping guide capital budgets and update zoning ordinances so the community evolves according to citizen expectations.

The planning process will be guided by a steering committee of city representatives, business owners and residents working alongside a professional consultant, along with an extensive public outreach strategy. Through meetings, focus groups, surveys, commu-

nity events and a dedicated website, residents can easily share their perspectives on things such as unmet housing needs and desired business developments.

“Public involvement is important because the master plan is the community’s plan,” Rowan says. “It’s taking input from residents — their on-the-ground knowledge — and putting that into the recommendations. It builds trust in the process and ensures the final plan will reflect the community’s true values.”

For residents, a master plan ensures that local decisions reflect their priorities, making the city a desirable place to invest time and raise a family. For businesses, it demonstrates that Mayfield Heights is a stable, forward-thinking community.

“The goal is to have a good, definable process with a solid public engagement strategy and lots of opportunities for participation,” Rowan says. “If done correctly, it should be easy and fun for residents to engage. All they’ll need to do is have an open mind and be ready to provide their thoughts and opinions.”

— Rachel Hagenbaugh

Meet THE

Step inside city hall for a Q&A with Diane Snider to discover her personal ties to the community and journey from raising a family in Mayfield Heights to leading the city.

AS TOLD TO RACHEL HAGENBAUGH

Where does your Mayfield Heights story start?

MAYOR SNIDER: Mayfield Heights holds a special place in my heart. I grew up here and have lived here all my life. I’m fortunate to still have relationships with many close friends and families I grew up with, and I always believed it was the perfect place to raise a family. I’ve built both my career as an ultrasound technician at the Cleveland Clinic Healthcare System, and my life, in the community I love.

How do you like to spend time here?

MS: A few years ago, I brought back neighborhood block parties. I remembered how I loved them growing up. It’s a fun way to get neighbors together and spend time with our local city leaders and first responders in a casual, fun setting.

Which aspects of the community do you most appreciate?

MS: I really value the many programs we have in the city, our excellent school system and the strong sense of community that make this city so special. Our Community Partnership on Aging is truly amazing. Their programs and social workers provide crucial support to many residents, including my family when we needed it most.

MY PARENTS TAUGHT ME THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD COMMUNICATION AND A STRONG WORK ETHIC.

Where was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

MS: At 14 years old, I worked at The Back Wall, a local racquetball club in the city. During that time, I learned the importance of making eye contact to show I was listening, engaged and focused. These are skills I developed early on and carried into adulthood, building on the values my parents instilled in me: strong communication and a solid work ethic.

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Which moments stand out as your proudest?

MS: Being a parent to six wonderful kids has been such a joy, and I’m incredibly proud to be their mom. Another proud moment in my life was becoming mayor; it was a dream I never imagined possible, but after 22 years of dedicated service in this community, I am honored and grateful to lead the city I love. I’m also incredibly proud of my husband, who works as a school resource officer at my elementary school, Lander Road. I truly admire how he represents the city and keeps both teachers and students safe every single day.

DIANE NIDER, COME ON DOWN!

What does it mean to you to be mayor of Mayfield Heights?

What’s a fun fact about you?

MS: Sure, here’s a fun fact about me: I was a contestant on The Price is Right and got to meet Bob Barker! I had to guess the price of a unique cocktail table. I guessed $950, right on the mark! I then played the Range Finder game, in which I won a 12-foot boat. That gave me a chance to spin the big wheel for the showcase showdown.

MS: Mayfield Heights has given so much to so many families, including my own, and having the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way is something I value deeply. Being mayor is about more than a title or a role; it’s about serving the community, listening to residents and working together to make our city the best it can be. It is truly an honor to be part of that effort.

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Connected, Safe and Strong

Find out how the city is securing its future by prioritizing enhanced resident communication, robust public safety and resilient infrastructure. // By

WHEN THE NEW MAYOR OF MAYFIELD HEIGHTS TOOK OFFICE, she brought with her a clear, focused vision built on three core pillars: communication, safety and infrastructure. Working alongside department heads, she ensures these pillars guide daily operations, policy and resource allocation. This strategic alignment enhances residents’ quality of life, ensuring the city remains safe, maintained and connected.

“While these pillars matter in every community, what sets Mayfield Heights apart is the level of importance we place on them and the focus we bring to improving them,” says Mayor Diane Snider. “We are very intentional about making safety, infrastructure and communica-

Rachel Hagenbaugh

tion a priority in how we plan, invest and serve. That commitment is what helps enhance the overall experience for our residents and keeps our community moving forward.”

COMMUNICATION

A strong community connection is the foundation of good government. Driven by a mayor who prioritizes personal engagement, Mayfield Heights is redefining how it connects with residents and businesses. “We’re actively looking at new ways to connect, while also strengthening the channels we already have in place,” Mayor Snider says. “Our goal is simple: make sure every resident can easily stay informed and feel connected to what’s happening in Mayfield Heights.”

To better serve residents with more frequency and accessible updates, the city expanded the Communications Department and launched several new initiatives. Residents can now stay informed via a monthly e-newsletter and “Friday 5” weekly briefs that deliver timely reminders and event details. The updated City Guide will also improve access to information, while the newly introduced MH Connect bi-annual newsletter provides comprehensive insights on department projects.

“With the launch of our monthly e-newsletter and the weekly “Friday 5,” we’ve seen more residents staying informed, reaching out with questions and engaging with what’s happening across the city,” says Mayor Snider. “That

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North Eastern Ohio Education Association

kind of consistent connection makes a real difference.”

Additionally, the administration is expanding its social media presence — including dedicated pages for the police, fire and parks departments — with the goal to provide the public with quick, official answers to their questions and combat misinformation.

Recognizing its robust senior population, MH Connect, the quarterly print newsletter, was created for those lacking digital access. On top of that, the mayor is continuing the tradition of a citizen advisory board, giving residents a direct avenue to provide feedback and participate in decision-making. In total, the city

uses seven communication modes, from YouTube and social media channels to digital signboards and print reports.

“When there’s communication and engagement between the city, residents and businesses, trust is built,” says Tammy Clines, the city’s communications coordinator. “We’re here to serve the community, and we want to do the best we can to make sure our residents are connected and informed.”

Ultimately, the strategy focuses on community, sustainability and nurturing its multi-generational roots. Engaging young people early fosters a sense of belonging, making them more likely to return to live, work and raise families here.

“As parents, we got our kids involved,” says Clines, adding that her son, as well as the mayor’s children, grew up volunteering at city events. “It’s important to involve kids when they’re young so that, as they grow up, their identity is connected not just to living or going to school here, but to being an active part of the community. When they feel invested in the city, they see its success as their success, too.”

SAFETY

Safety is the bedrock of a thriving community, and Mayfield Heights approaches this responsibility with proactive enforcement and deep community connection.

To ensure first responders have top-tier tools, the city makes targeted investments in its police, fire and EMS teams. An upcoming addition is a fire department ladder truck, arriving in 2027 or 2028, to strengthen long-term response. Technology also plays a crucial role. Supported by state grants, the city installed live-feed security cameras at busy intersections, expanded park camera coverage and added license plate readers.

“These efforts are part of a broader commitment to proactive safety measures, giving our first responders better tools while also helping to deter incidents and protect our residents,” says Mayor Snider.

Yet, officers balance this strong enforcement with good discretion and a commitment to helping neighbors. For example, the Community Operations

Your Story. Our City.

Office mitigates quality-of-life concerns before they escalate. Property managers also work closely with the city to utilize ordinances that evict tenants who commit crimes at rental properties.

“By being proactive in our approach to policing the city, our officers immediately address violations of the law, which sends the message that Mayfield Heights does not tolerate lawlessness,” says Police Chief Anthony Mele. “Our officers do an outstanding job of balancing an aggressive approach to crime while using good discretion when a warning should be given for someone who simply made a mistake.”

The Police and Fire departments prioritize engagement through adult citizens academies, CATS Academy for teens, school resource officers and ALICE training for local businesses. Outreach initiatives like Safety Town, the DARE program and the Fill the Cruiser Food Drive also ensure officers remain approachable, trusted members of the community.

“I’m especially proud of the investments we’ve made in our safety forces and the strong foundation we’ve built to keep Mayfield Heights a safe and welcoming place to live,” Mayor Snider says.

The city’s service excellence is reflected in the Police Department’s CALEA certification and a remarkable 25-year retention rate with zero officers leaving for another agency. Residents feel this dedication daily. Recently, an officer went above and beyond for a young man whose car was buried by a snowstorm. When the resident asked to borrow a shovel to avoid being late for work, the responding officer completely dug the car out so the young man could make it on time.

“We care deeply about the city that we work for,” Mele says. “Many of our officers call Mayfield Heights their home. It’s not just a job for us. We have a great sense of pride in our city and work every day to ensure that this remains a city where you feel safe and can raise a family.”

INFRASTRUCTURE

Reliable infrastructure is the quiet engine keeping a city running efficiently. By advancing improvements focused on safer roads and modernized utilities, Mayfield Heights is addressing aging systems before they fail. Through careful planning, responsible funding and regional collaboration, the city executes a long-term vision for sustainable growth.

“In the short term, these investments improve safety, reduce delays and make services more reliable — things residents notice right away,” Mayor Snider says. “Over the long term, they help us avoid costly emergency repairs, extend the life of our roads and utilities and support property values.”

Guided by resident feedback and condition assessments, the city is tackling big-ticket projects. On Mayfield Road, a $2.4 million signalization line will upgrade the traffic signal network, improving flow and reducing delays. The city also is planning major underground work that will significantly reduce basement backup risks and remove failing or outdated infrastructure. On Marnell Avenue , sanitary sewer and water lines are being replaced, while a $7.7 million investment on Washington Boulevard will separate outdated storm and sanitary systems.

MARNELL AVENUE UPDATED TENNIS COURTS

Roadway resurfacing and pavement preservation, which will provide smoother driving surfaces and reduce long-term maintenance costs, are also top priorities. When investing in a road, the city addresses underground repairs simultaneously so the fixes last decades.

“Although construction can be temporarily inconvenient, these upgrades are essential to keep Mayfield Heights safe, strong and wellpositioned for the future,” says Nick Fini, city engineer.

Through strategic partnerships, like collaborating with neighboring Mayfield Village to repair Ridgeberry Boulevard, the city maximizes value for taxpayers. Additionally, many of these projects are supported by external grants and cost-sharing agreements with agencies like NEORSD, Cuyahoga County and the Cleveland Water Department.

“Projects are prioritized based on condition assessments, service history, safety needs and opportunities to leverage outside funding,” says Fini, adding that he wants residents to know the city is being proactive, fiscally responsible and future-focused. “By planning ahead, we’re ensuring that improvements are completed efficiently and with long-term value in mind.”

Following the successful launch of the new aquatic center last year, the city recently updated the tennis courts with new fencing and windscreens and is planning further enhancements, including a walking path in the main park.

“When residents think of infrastructure, it could be sidewalks, aging buildings, roadways, sewers, etc.,” says Chuck Brunello, assistant service director. “There’s a lot of different things that can fall into that scope. I want residents to know that we hear them and understand their concerns and will always try to do our best to address their needs and requests efficiently.

“Investing when we can will only help improve our city’s infrastructure in the long run,” Brunello notes, adding that the longer the city waits to address certain issues, the worse and more expensive they can become. “At the end of the day, people live here and move here for a reason, and we need to make sure we uphold their expectations.”

inspired

Spacious interfaith chapel, where guests of all cultures receive a warm welcome

Faces of MAYFIELD HEIGHTS

For Cecelia Paponetti and Jeremy King, helping in the community is part of daily life. //

By Kellie Innes

CECELIA PAPONETTI

For Cecelia Paponetti, volunteering is a family affair. Whether it’s signing up for the decorating committee, helping out with fundraising campaigns or doing arts and crafts for volunteer efforts, Paponetti’s husband, children and extended family can often be found supporting her as she leads the charge on giving back to the community.

“It all started in the mid ’90s, when we started a volunteer group to raise funds to build Oakville Park,” says Paponetti. “We held garage sales, pancake breakfasts and pasta dinners, sold bricks for the memorial walkway and received private donations. The park was dedicated in 1997. I then served on the Parks & Recreation Commission for several years, where I introduced the annual Taste of Italy dinner.”

Family is a crucial aspect of Paponetti’s community impact. In fact, the idea of “family” is what brought her to Mayfield Heights 50 years ago. Chasing “old-school” dreams of buying a house and raising children with her husband, Paponetti chose

to call Mayfield Heights home in large part because of the stellar schools. “It’s a family-oriented community, and there are some phenomenal teachers here,” she says.

Raising her kids in Mayfield Heights also allowed her to be involved in school events. One of her favorite memories is helping with the after prom. She chaired the committee that threw the after-party for the duration of her children’s school years.

Now, as a part-time cook for the city, Paponetti makes her mark on a variety of events, most recently the Taste of Italy on Valentine’s Day, which served over 200 patrons. Up next is an event with the police department, and she continues her luncheons for senior citizens.

One of her newest initiatives is a children’s cooking class in which she teaches kids ages eight to 14 culinary skills.

“It’s a vibrant city,” Paponetti says of Mayfield Heights. “We want to put on programs that offer a wide array of interests.”

is a vibrant city. We want to put on programs that offer a wide array of interests.

Mayfield Heights

— Cecelia Paponetti

Ever

JEREMY KING I

t didn’t take long for Jeremy King to realize he didn’t need to reinvent the wheel when it came to giving back to the Mayfield Heights community. After moving to the city in the fall of 2019 with his family to open Story Church, the entire world’s idea of community was rocked by the onset of COVID-19.

“At our church, we exist to connect with and love our neighbors,” King says. “As soon as we were gaining momentum, everything got put on pause.”

While the bulk of the shutdown had Story Church and its members focused on helping the community by collecting food donations, as things slowly returned to normal, King discovered

that Mayfield Heights already had strong systems in place to meet the needs of neighbors. “That’s what I love about Mayfield Heights,” King says. “So rather than creating spaces to draw people to us, now I’m saying, ‘Let’s partner, get behind and join what’s already happening.’”

The Parks and Recreation Department has been a solid partnership for Story Church. King has served on planning committees for events such as the Holiday Fest in December, where Story Church sponsored a kids’ craft table.

Story Church also assists with the city’s Summer Unity Days and the local food pantry.

“I’ve really recognized the importance of building relationships and trust with the leaders of this city,” King shares. “They know that

Story Church can step in to help with whatever need the city has.”

In his personal life, King embodies the same values of connection and neighborly love that he promotes through Story Church. When he and his family first moved here, he and his wife would walk up and down their street introducing themselves. This led to a block party tradition that continues today and brings the neighborhood’s families together.

“I’m trying to gather people and encourage them to serve one another,” King says. “Ever since we moved here, our primary goal has been to create our own family within this community.”