Cuyahoga Planning Commission unveils Town Center Master Plan

Parma – The Cuyahoga County Planning Commission presented an overview of the draft Town Center Master Plan to City Council in late October.

This draft master plan is a direct result of a Town Center Task Force that was created in 2014 and comprised of stakeholders in the area surrounding The Shoppes at Parma. The report from the task force recommended the formulation of a master plan that would reflect the vision defined by the members. The task force is composed of residents, West Creek Conservancy, University Hospitals Parma Medical Center, RTA, Parma City Schools, Parma Area Chamber of Commerce and others. 

A master plan is an overall vision for the future development of a particular area. In this case, the plan addresses the area south of West Ridgewood Drive, north of Stearns Farm, and bordered by City Hall and UH Parma Medical Center on the east side and The Shoppes at Parma on the west side. The City of Parma Planning Commission and City Council will use the master plan to make decisions regarding proposals that are presented before them. Citizens and neighborhood groups will also use this plan to understand the city’s long-range plans and proposals for the area and to encourage plan implementation.

The city received a grant from the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission to create a Town Center Master Plan in 2017. A steering committee composed mostly of the same members as the task force was formed to work with the staff at Cuyahoga County Planning. Three public meetings were held at the Parma branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library so that public input could be received. 

Additionally, several online surveys were made available to anyone wishing to comment as the plan was being developed. All comments were included in the draft master plan and most were incorporated into the final version.

The next step is for Parma City Council to adopt the formal plan, which could happen by the end of 2019. The plan includes goals, recommendations and a timeframe so that after council members approve the plan, the city can begin work on achieving those goals. The plan includes possible funding sources, including grants that may be available to further the desired outcomes. An adopted master plan also helps bolster grant applications.

This plan is a blueprint for future development and redevelopment of a vital and energized area of Parma.  The city administration looks forward to continuing its partnerships with the stakeholders in the area and the public with the intention of creating a vibrant and identifiable town center.

To read the plan document in its entirety: Town Center Master Plan.