N※N

Highland Heights Appoints New Council Member Amid Revitalization Plans

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. ew-council-member-amid-revitalization-plans.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 2:19 GMT by The News-Herald
      Locales: Ohio, UNITED STATES

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - February 11, 2026 - The City of Highland Heights is entering a period of significant development and community improvement, as evidenced by the recent appointment of Sarah Miller to the City Council and ongoing discussions surrounding ambitious revitalization projects. Ms. Miller officially joined the council on January 30th, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Councilman David Thompson.

While the specifics of Thompson's resignation remain private, sources indicate he is pursuing new opportunities outside of local government. His departure, however, comes at a critical juncture for Highland Heights, a city of approximately 9,500 residents nestled in Cuyahoga County. The city is actively working to modernize its infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for its citizens, making Miller's addition to the council particularly timely.

During the January 30th meeting, Council President John Riley publicly welcomed Ms. Miller and voiced strong support for her capabilities. "We are thrilled to have Sarah join our team," Riley stated. "She brings a fresh perspective and a dedication to public service that will be invaluable as we navigate these important projects. We are confident she will be a strong advocate for the residents of Highland Heights."

The primary focus of the council meeting, beyond Miller's appointment, centered on two key initiatives: the comprehensive revitalization of the city's park system and crucial improvements to local infrastructure. The park revitalization project, years in the making, aims to transform Highland Heights' green spaces into vibrant community hubs. Initial plans, unveiled last summer, propose upgrades to existing playgrounds, the creation of walking and biking trails, the installation of modern amenities like splash pads and dog parks, and significant landscaping improvements across all four city parks - Memorial Park, Liberty Park, Creekside Park and Veteran's Park.

Funding for the park project is a multifaceted approach, combining city budget allocations with grant applications to both state and federal programs. The city recently received preliminary approval for a $500,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, specifically earmarked for improvements to Creekside Park, which will focus on restoring the creek bank and adding accessible walking paths. A further application for a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, potentially totaling $1.2 million, is currently under review.

Alongside the park improvements, the council is also prioritizing infrastructure upgrades. A recent assessment revealed aging water pipes, deteriorating roadways, and an outdated stormwater drainage system. The council is currently evaluating bids for a multi-phase project to replace sections of the water mains, repave key thoroughfares like Highland Drive and Liberty Road, and improve the stormwater management system to mitigate flooding risks - a growing concern in recent years due to increased rainfall.

"Our infrastructure is the backbone of our community," explained Councilmember Patricia Evans, chair of the Infrastructure Committee. "Addressing these issues is not just about convenience; it's about ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents, as well as attracting new businesses and investment to Highland Heights."

Ms. Miller's experience is expected to be particularly beneficial in the infrastructure discussions. Before joining the council, she served as a project manager for a regional engineering firm, specializing in municipal infrastructure projects. Her expertise in budgeting, project planning, and contract negotiation will be crucial as the council moves forward with these ambitious undertakings.

The appointment of Miller signals a proactive approach to city governance, especially in light of increasing regional competition for residents and businesses. Neighboring communities like Mayfield Heights and South Euclid have also embarked on revitalization projects, leading to a more competitive landscape. Highland Heights hopes to differentiate itself by focusing on community building and providing a high quality of life for its residents. The next council meeting, scheduled for February 28th, will feature a public forum dedicated to gathering input from residents on the park revitalization plans and infrastructure priorities.