Parma · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Parma public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Ridge Road Watermain Replacement and Storm Sewer Projects
A two-year master agreement with DLZ Ohio and a QCI consulting contract would support the city's ongoing stormwater program, funded partly by grants.
Variance proposal — 8603 Pin Oak Drive
A zoning variance for a Pin Oak Drive property is to be confirmed by the Planning Committee.
Outside legal counsel for labor negotiations
The city would renew its contract with the Zashin & Rich law firm to handle union contract negotiations for the next three years.
Housing Code Penalty Amendments and Nuisance Abatement
Council would ask the Building Commissioner to begin summary nuisance abatement on a Kenilworth Avenue property, addressing conditions there.
Ridgewood Lakes Drive culvert replacement
Engineering work for a culvert replacement near Kerneywood Road and Ridgewood Lakes Drive, costing up to $104,910.20 for design and surveying.
Fire ambulance remount and refurbishment
The city would spend $262,500 to remount and refurbish Ambulance Medic #2, extending its service life instead of buying new.
Zoning and Liquor License Concerns on Ridge Road
A new liquor permit application for Tony's Family Restaurant on West Pleasant Valley Road would be referred to Council and the Safety Department for review.
2026 Appropriations and Infrastructure Funding
The city's spending plan for the first three months of 2027 is up for third reading. It keeps city services funded while the full-year budget is finalized.
Municipal Insurance Contracts and Premium Increases
New contracts for vision insurance and Medical Mutual healthcare administration would keep employee benefits in place for the coming year.
county objection to TIF development incentives
Cuyahoga County now plans to automatically object to cities’ TIF deals—the property-tax breaks used to fund development. For Parma, that could mean less tax money kept locally for future projects, so expect tighter budgets or different financing for redevelopment.
Local Election Ballot Preview
Election Day is tomorrow, and Parma and Seven Hills voters have local races and ballot items to decide. This preview is basically a heads-up on what’s on your ballot—and why it matters for who makes local decisions.
Browns stadium lease dispute
Cleveland City Council just voted to skip out on a $1.1 million stadium repair bill they legally owe the Browns, risking a costly lawsuit that taxpayers will end up funding. While it's a Cleveland issue, it's a major regional drama that could set a wild precedent for big sports deals nearby.
Urban Forestry and Tree Commission Advocacy
Residents inquired about the status of the Tree Board chairperson and commission while celebrating Tree City USA recognition.
School Budget Cuts
Parma City Schools are facing a massive $8 million budget shortfall for the next school year. This means major cuts are coming to classrooms and local programs as the district tries to balance its books.
Road Conditions and Infrastructure Concerns
Residents expressed frustration over poor road conditions and unaddressed infrastructure maintenance across the city during public comments.
E-Bike and Scooter Safety and Enforcement
Police reported on ongoing enforcement and education regarding e-bikes and motorized scooters, noting safety risks and a high volume of juvenile violations.
Short-Term Rental Regulation and Moratorium
A resident highlighted issues with poorly maintained rental properties and safety concerns, including trespassing and speeding along Snow Road.
Court Technology Upgrade
Parma Municipal Court is spending $216,000 on new servers and hardware to keep its technology up to date. This upgrade will help the court run smoother and prevent tech meltdowns.
School District Deficit
Parma City Schools just got hit with a strict state deadline to plug a huge $16 million budget gap. That means potential cuts to local school services and community programs, and it could spell trouble for your property taxes.
Deer Population Control
Parma is working with state wildlife officials to tackle the town's booming deer population, which means new rules for managing local wildlife are on the way. If you're tired of deer munching your garden or dodging them on your evening drive, policy changes are coming soon.
School District Budget Deficit
Parma schools are staring down a massive budget hole that could trigger a state takeover and potentially force higher property taxes or cuts to student programs. If you live in the district, your wallet and your kids' classrooms could feel the squeeze real soon.
Police Misconduct Lawsuit
A Parma mom is suing the city and three cops over the arrest of her 13-year-old son, bringing up major red flags about police accountability. This case is bound to ramp up scrutiny on local law enforcement and could end up costing taxpayers.
Police Misconduct
A lawsuit claims Parma cops brutally slammed a handcuffed 13-year-old's face into a brick wall. This heavy accusation is likely to spark major calls for police reform and accountability.
Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) Regulations
Council discussed growing concerns over Airbnb party houses and short-term rentals, particularly with future traffic expected from the upcoming Brown Stadium in Brook Park, raising the possibility of stricter regulations or bans.
Residential Knox Box Program
The fire department launched an affordable $40 residential lock box program to help first responders access senior citizens' homes during medical or fire emergencies without breaking doors.
2025 Ohio Fire Code Update
Parma updated its local fire code ordinances to match the 2025 Ohio Fire Code standards, streamlining regulations for businesses, food trucks, and open burning.
Park Opening
Good news, dog owners: the long-awaited Parma Heights-Parma dog park is finally opening on August 5. After years of waiting, local pups and their humans will finally have a dedicated space to hang out.
School District Budget
Parma schools are facing a massive budget crisis after voters shot down another tax levy, and the state might actually step in and take over. If you live around here, get ready for potential hits to school quality and your home's property value.
FirstEnergy Rate Increase Opposition
Council passed a resolution opposing FirstEnergy's proposed three-year rate increase, arguing that residents shouldn't face higher costs amid ongoing reliability issues.
MetroHealth Co-Responder Program
Parma is partnering with Parma Heights and MetroHealth to embed a licensed social worker in police and fire stations to respond to mental health and addiction crises. Backed by a county grant, the program aims to connect residents with treatment and reduce repeat emergency calls.
Public Park Sign Maintenance and Watering Support
Garden club volunteers requested assistance from residents and the city service department to maintain and water landscaped park signs throughout the city's wards.
Frequent Power Outages on North Side of Snow Road
Residents and council members raised ongoing concerns regarding frequent power outages, flickering lights, and leaning utility poles across various wards, prompting First Energy representatives to discuss inspection cycles and tree trimming efforts.
School Board Appointments
A local judge just stepped in and appointed brand new members to the Parma school board. This shake-up means the people running your schools—and deciding how your education tax dollars are spent—have officially changed.
West Linden Lane Septic Abatement Project
The city is moving forward with sanitary sewer installations on West Linden Lane to eliminate septic tanks, funded through grants, loans, and local assessments.
Pride Month Recognition Resolution
The council debated and passed a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month to promote community inclusion and acceptance.
Library Opening
The brand-new Parma Heights Library is officially open, replacing the old demolished building with a fresh, modern space for the community. You now have a brand-new spot to hang out, work, or grab a book right in the neighborhood.
School Board Appointment
Parma's school board totally botched their vote to fill an open seat, so now a judge has to step in and pick for them. It's a messy political deadlock that leaves the district's leadership in limbo.
Golf Course Neighborhood Concerns
Residents near the new golf course voiced concerns regarding traffic speeding, weed maintenance on nearby triangles, and a request for public notification before fertilizer and pesticide applications.
School Funding
Parma's school levy just went down in flames, and now residents and the school board are at each other's throats over brutal budget cuts and student safety. With no clear plan forward, families are left stressing about what the classrooms will actually look like next year.
School Levy Failure
Parma City School District's latest levy failed, meaning administrators are gearing up for major budget cuts and program changes. Local families should expect significant impacts on their schools as the district scrambles to handle the shortfall.
Creek to Creek Neighborhood Greenway
Parma is partnering with neighboring cities and organizations to create a 7.5-mile bicycle greenway connecting West Creek and Big Creek reservations. The project utilizes existing lower-speed residential streets and signage to provide a safe route for families and cyclists without disrupting motorists.
Brainard Drive and W. 54th Street Sewer Improvement Projects
Council authorized multi-million dollar contracts for water main replacements on Laverne Avenue, Grovewood Avenue, and West 51st Street, alongside sewer design engineering and catch basin repairs. These projects upgrade aging municipal utilities to improve drainage and water reliability.
James Day Park Facility Renaming
Council renamed three prominent athletic and community facilities at James Day Park to honor local figures George Krovich, Harv Warner, and Gene Zayac.
Police Department Tax Renewal Levy and Operations
Council advanced a resolution to renew an existing police department tax levy, ensuring continuous funding for police vehicles, equipment, and officer salaries. Lawmakers and administration officials emphasized the critical role of these funds in maintaining public safety.
School Board Governance
Parma parents are demanding the school board president resign after a chaotic meeting, which could shake up local school leadership. If you live in the district, this ongoing drama is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
School Board Resignation
Parma Schools just lost a board member after Leah Euerle stepped down, leaving an open seat that needs to be filled. The board will now have to figure out how to replace her and keep district operations running smoothly.
School Safety and Scheduling
After a scary shooting at Valley Forge, Parma schools switched to a shorter schedule while stressed parents demand total closures. It's a massive disruption for local families trying to keep their kids safe.
School Tax Shift
Parma City Schools wants to swap your property taxes for an income tax. If voters approve this change, it will completely shake up how local public school funding works in your neighborhood.
Residential Creek Flooding and Drainage Mitigation on Regency Drive
A resident voiced frustration over a decade of recurring property damage from creek flooding, prompting the service director to coordinate a site visit and permanent solutions.
Calls for Independent Investigation into Dawn Pasela Case
Numerous citizens and relatives of Dawn Pasela addressed council during public session, demanding that the city release its investigative files to an outside agency for a thorough review.