HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- In a 42-minute state-of-the-city address delivered Thursday (Aug. 22) in City Council chambers, Mayor Chuck Brunello, Jr. told of a city that is doing fine as the problems brought on by the COVID epidemic fade into the rear-view mirror.
Like most cities, Highland Heights officials had concerns during the epidemic over falling income tax collections and dwindling cash reserves. This was especially so in Highland Heights, where its largest employer, Progressive Insurance, continued to allow employees to work from home. In 2024, however, Brunello was pleased to report that revenues from 2023 were up nearly a million dollars from the preceding year.
“The city of Highland Heights remained financially strong in 2023 with a general fund balance of just over $7.9 million,” Brunello said. “Our local city taxes were up $1,033,000, or 9.
2 percent. The city received $129,481 in (federal) ARPA funds.” Expenses did increase by $213,000 from 2022, but were just over $1 million less than what was budgeted.
Brunello followed up by talking about a business moving to the city that promises to be a new revenue source, In October, he said, Park Place Technologies will be moving to Alpha Drive in Highland Heights from Mayfield Heights. “Park Place Technologies Global Headquarters & Testing Center purchased the former Progressive Insurance buildings, located at 747 and 755 Alpha Drive,” he said. “Park Place Technologies is a global data center and networking optimization firm that supports server, storage, and network environments.
“The buildings are currently under renovation with occupancy later this year. Park Place Technologies is expected to bring in 500 new jobs to our community.” Park will also bring a payroll expected to reach $45 million and help fill the void created in recent years that has seen Progressive’s payroll decrease from $75 million, pre-COVID, to about $45 million now.
As for other new businesses, Brunello spoke of Pella Windows & Doors moving in at 775 Alpha Drive; B ROX Grill & Swill locating at 5604 Wilson Mills Road; and The Little Gym of Highland Heights opening in the spring at 767 Alpha Drive. Also, he added, “Vitalia Senior Living Center, located at 305 Bishop Road, next to UPS, will begin having new residents occupy the building beginning this month.” Brunello began his address by stating, ”I am honored to be your mayor and to call the city of Highland Heights my home for over 27 years.
“Our city motto, ‘The City with Pride and Promise,’ is truly how we operate, plan, budget, and make decisions that are in the best interest of our community. The promise to our residents is to always provide the highest level of services in an efficient and cost effective manner. “This is achieved through a collaborative and progressive City Council and administration.
I have the privilege of working with a great staff of employees and loyal and dedicated first responders.” Brunello said that, “The city of Highland Heights offers a comfortable and convenient balance of neighborhoods, green space, and business parks, all with easy access to downtown Cleveland and other regional amenities. The unique and special qualities our city possesses consistently lands our community recognition in Cleveland Magazine’s Top 20 suburbs in their annual ‘Rating the Suburbs’ report.
“In 2023, we ranked number 14 and, not to brag, but here is a little spoiler alert . . .
we ranked number 5 in 2024. This rating is based on many factors including safety, the quality of school systems, walkability, and median home values, amongst other factors. “In addition, the city of Highland Heights has been rated as one of the top 20 wealthiest suburbs, according to Crain’s Cleveland Business.
We appreciate this recognition, as this type of positive PR greatly increases the desirability of our community when prospective home buyers and businesses are looking to relocate. “Recognition like this would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of all the city departments and staff, as well as each and every resident taking pride in making their community a great place to live.” In addition to highlighting each city department, its directors and employees, and the work done in the past year, Brunello spoke on other topics, including these items: -- “Next month, you can grab your bicycle helmets and ride with me in our city’s first annual Bike-with-a-Mayor event on Saturday, Sept.
14, beginning at 9 a.m.,” he announced.
“Riders will meet in the city hall parking lot and take an extended ride throughout our community.” -- Brunello announced that Highland Heights will be the location of the next Make-A-Wish home. “The Home Builders Association’s Charitable and Education Foundation of Cleveland, Make-A-Wish for Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, have chosen Highland Heights as their Home for the Holidays with an opportunity for someone to win a new $750,000-plus home in the Grappa Farms development,” Brunello said.
“This will be a European ranch-style home, and will feature three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and a three-car attached garage. “Tickets are currently on sale for this beautiful home. The winner will be announced on Dec.
31, 2024 on News 5 Cleveland.” -- Speaking of the Grappa Farms home development, Brunello said, “Grappa Farms, the last residential development in the city of Highland Heights, continued its expansion in the Maypine Farms development. This development features 21 new luxury homes, with construction by ProBuilt Homes and JEMM Construction.
“Most of these new homes are now occupied with the exception of three home still under construction, with three lots still remaining to be sold. -- Brunello said that the city implemented in 2020 a Residential Rental Program and, from information obtained through the county for 2023, it was learned that Highland Heights has 69 rental properties, or 1.95 percent of its total properties.
“Of the 69 registered rental properties, seven were sold (in 2023) and 69 inspections were performed.” -- The city received a NOPEC Energy Savings grant for just over $25,000. This money will be used to replace lighting at the Highland Heights Community Center.
In addition, Brunello said that the community center will be closed for two weeks beginning Sunday, Aug. 25, as its original flooring is replaced. -- Highland Heights culled 81 deer in 2023 as part of its annual culling program, fewer than in 2022.
Brunello concluded his address, given before councilmembers, city directors and audience members, by stating, “As your mayor, I remain invested in the continued success of our city, and I give you my word that we will continue to remain financially strong by remaining fiscally responsible during these ever-changing and challenging times. “I will continue to be accessible and will always work to provide the very best services to the residents and businesses of our community.” Read more from the Sun Messenger.
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