Brooklyn Heights MASTER PLAN Current Conditions December 24, 2020 - The Village of - Cuyahoga County ...
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The Village of
Brooklyn Heights
MASTER PLAN
Current Conditions
December 24, 2020
Village of Brooklyn Heights
345 Tuxedo Avenue
Brooklyn Heights, Ohio 44131
216.749.4300
www.BrooklynHts.org DRAFT
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS CUYAHOGA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION 2079 East 9th Street Suite 5-300 Cleveland, OH 44115 216.443.3700 www.CountyPlanning.us www.facebook.com/CountyPlanning www.twitter.com/CountyPlanning ABOUT COUNTY PLANNING Our mission is to inform and provide services in support of the short and long term comprehensive planning, quality of life, environment, and economic development of Cuyahoga County and its cities, villages and townships. PLANNING TEAM Patrick Hewitt, AICP, Interim, Executive Director Nichole R. Laird, Planner, Project Lead Shawn Leininger, AICP, Immediate Past Executive Director Kevin Leeson, Planner Daniel Meaney, GISP, Manager, Information and Research James Sonnhalter, Manager, Planning Services Robin Watkins, Geographic Information Systems Specialist Kayla Kellar, Planning Intern Images Source: County Planning & Village of Brooklyn Heights
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS
Michael S. Procuk, Mayor
345 Tuxedo Avenue
Brooklyn Heights, Ohio 44131
216.749.4300
www.BrooklynHts.org
2020 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mark Lasky, Council President Pro Tem Jennifer Presot, Councilmember
Joseph Blados, Councilmember Matt Walsh, Councilmember
Tom Lahiff, Councilmember
PROJECT TEAM
Michael S. Procuk, Mayor Aaron Frank, Clerk/Treasurer
Micheal E. Henry, Village Engineer Dana Bundus, Accounts Administrator
Joe Stefanko, Fire Chief Nino Monaco, Chief Building Official
Dave Meade, Police Chief Ed Hatgas, Service Director
Kari S. Baciak, Mayor’s Secretary Kyle Krzynowek, Recreation Director
Jerome E. Dowling, Law Director
DRAFT December 24, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
1.1 WHAT IS A MASTER PLAN 8
1.2 PLANNING CONTEXT 10
1.3 PREVIOUS PLANS 12
1.4 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS 16
2 CURRENT CONDITIONS ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19
2.1 COMMUNITY 22
2.2 TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE 40
2.3 LAND USE 56
2.4 COMMUNITY SERVICES 66
DRAFT December 24, 2020
4 
DRAFT December 24, 2020
Images Source: County Planning & Village of Brooklyn Heights
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 5
DRAFT December 24, 2020
1 Introduction
WELCOME TO THE MASTER PLAN — CURRENT CURRENT PROGRESS
CONDITIONS DOCUMENT
The Village of Brooklyn Heights was awarded professional
The Village of Brooklyn Heights Master Plan is a collection of Planning Services through a competitive grant process from
community aspirations that aim to inspire and guide Village the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission in September
officials and residents as the community moves into the future. 2019. County Planning will facilitate the planning process by
By writing down these aspirations, we memorialize the hopes bringing together data, community leaders, citizens, and public
of the Brooklyn Heights community and, importantly, we institutions to craft a plan of action.
outline the steps necessary to achieve our goals.
The Village of Brooklyn Heights Master Plan is presently in
This section of the Village of Brooklyn Heights Master Plan the Current Conditions phase. This is the initial phase of the
examines the current conditions throughout the Village. plan and entails gathering data, input, and information about
Developing this profile is essential to determining the the state of Brooklyn Heights today. The Current Conditions
demographic trends that are shaping the Village today in document outlines what has been gathered thus far and will be
order to determine which trends should be fostered for the updated as additional information and input is gathered.
future and which need to change. These trends and the input
of the public help determine the vision for the future that is
outlined in the Master Plan. This vision is uniquely tailored to NEXT STEPS
the community of Brooklyn Heights and residents’ goals for the
future. Following completion of the Current Conditions phase, the
Master Plan will begin the Community Vision phase. In this
Based on the current conditions, input, and vision for the phase, residents and stakeholders will be asked to describe
future, the Master Plan outlines specific steps that can be their vision for the future of Brooklyn Heights. This input will
taken Villagewide and in focus areas to deliver the changes be translated into vision statements that will guide action
residents wish to see. These ideas range from small changes development in the following phases.
that can improve daily life in Brooklyn Heights, to large changes
that will take time to implement.
With actions in hand, the Village of Brooklyn Heights Master
Plan outlines specific steps that can be taken to move the
Village forward.
The Village of Brooklyn Heights Master Plan is just beginning
this process of transformation as it is intended to guide
changes over many years. Only with the dedicated work of
residents, business owners, and Village staff can the Master
Plan’s goals be achieved. Together, we can work to create a
greater Brooklyn Heights.
DRAFT December 24, 2020
Images Source: County Planning & Village of Brooklyn Heights
1.1 WHAT IS A MASTER PLAN
WHAT IS A MASTER PLAN members of the community can use the Master Plan to guide
their decisions.
Facilitated by County Planning, this Master Plan will serve as
a policy guide for the Village of Brooklyn Heights. It will be MASTER PLAN AND ZONING
created in collaboration with the Village’s residents, business
owners, stakeholders, and interested groups. It is a long-term The Master Plan is particularly related to land development
plan for how the community wants to grow and develop in the because it provides a guide for how the community would like
future, and it is intended to serve the community for a five to to see new uses arranged and developed. While the Master
ten year span. Plan describes potential land use changes, it does not alter
any zoning or regulations. Existing zoning remains the same
Generally, a Master Plan inventories what exists today, outlines until the Village or a property owner seeks to change zoning
a community’s vision for the future, and describes concrete through a rezoning or an update to existing Village codes.
action steps to achieve that vision. Developing a plan provides
the community an opportunity to givee input on the general The graphic below showcases some of the key features that
direction of the Village. It prepares residents and business differentiate Master Plans from Zoning Ordinances.
owners for changes, shapes future development, and gives a
competitive advantage when applying for grants and funding.
Residents are encouraged to use the Master Plan to see
what changes may occur in their neighborhoods and assist
implementation by developing community groups or volunteer
organizations to support it. Business owners are encouraged
to use the Master Plan to find where the Village is focusing
business expansion efforts, and to see what land may be
available. The Village is encouraged to use the Master Plan
when deciding what infrastructure investments to make, or
what grants to apply for. These are substantive ways that
MASTER PLAN ZONING ORDINANCE
▪ A GENERAL POLICY FOR FUTURE GROWTH ▪ SPECIFIC RULES FOR DEVELOPMENT
DRAFT December 24, 2020
▪ DESCRIBES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WHAT ▪ DESCRIBES WHAT IS AND WHAT IS NOT
SHOULD HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE ALLOWED TODAY
▪ INCLUDES BROAD RECOMMENDATIONS VS ▪ INCLUDES MANDATORY REGULATIONS ON
THAT CAN BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE VILLAGE, DEVELOPMENT THAT ARE ENFORCED BY THE
RESIDENTS, OR PARTNERS VILLAGE UNLESS SPECIFICALLY WAIVED
▪ A FLEXIBLE DOCUMENT THAT IS INTENDED ▪ RELATIVELY RIGID SET OF REGULATIONS
TO BE INTERPRETED AS CONDITIONS THAT CAN ONLY BE CHANGED BY A LEGAL
CHANGE PROCESS
8 Introduction
PROCESS
PHASES OF THE MASTER PLAN
The planning process for the Village of Brooklyn Heights CURRENT CONDITIONS
Master Plan occurs over five phases, shown to the right, and (Current Phase)
is expected to be complete in about eighteen months. These
phases are described in more depth below:
▪ Current Conditions: We develop a demographic, land
use, and housing overview of Brooklyn Heights
▪ Community Vision: We outline a vision for how the
community wants to grow and develop in the coming
decade
▪ Recommendations: We outline specific goals and COMMUNITY VISION
the action steps that can be taken to achieve the
community’s desired future
▪ Implementation: We attach priorities, timelines, and
responsibilities to each action to show they can be
accomplished
▪ Master Plan Document: In this final phase, all previous
components are combined into a complete final Master
Plan document
RECOMMENDATIONS
NEXT PHASES
PUBLIC INPUT
The planning process involves the input of three tiers of
engagement: the Project Team, stakeholder interviews, and
the public. This three-tiered approach allows for more input to
review the Master Plan at various phases to ensure the goals
and recommendations in the plan fit what the community
would like to see.
The Project Team is comprised of Village staff and public IMPLEMENTATION
officials with an in-depth knowledge of the day-to-day
operations of the Village. The stakeholder interviews will
be conducted to gain insight from a cross section of the
Village, such as residents, business owners, and other key
stakeholders. Finally, the public includes any interested
residents or parties that would like to be involved in the
process. Each group meets throughout the planning process,
with three public meetings that cover the most important parts
of the plan. MASTER PLAN
DOCUMENT
Because of the current COVID-19 health guidelines, typical
large-scale public meetings are not possible. Working with
the Village of Brooklyn Heights to engage the community,
DRAFT December 24, 2020
County Planning will be conducting virtual meetings such as
pre-recorded presentations which will be made available to the
public via Village and County Planning websites. Accompanying
virtual presentations will be a draft document and online
survey or questionnaire to gather responses and feedback.
This feedback will then be compiled and analyzed to identify
key takeaways and will be presented to the project team as a
Results Report.
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 9
1.2 PLANNING CONTEXT
REGIONAL CONTEXT
The Village of Brooklyn Heights is shown in maroon on the Throughout the Brooklyn Heights Master Plan, comparisons
map below. Brooklyn Heights is centrally located between the are made between Brooklyn Heights, several Peer
eastern and western suburbs of Cuyahoga County, and shares Communities, and the County as a whole. These Peer
its borders with the Cities of Cleveland, Parma, Seven Hills, and Communities are Cuyahoga Heights, Valley View, and Walton
Independence to the north, west and south, with the Cuyahoga Hills. They were chosen due to their location, size, and similar
River forming a portion of its northeastern border. land use characteristics and transportation infrastructure.
Regional destinations such as downtown Cleveland and
Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport are easily accessible
via two major interchanges on Interstate 77 and 480, and at
the interchange of Interstate 480 and State Route 176.
Map 1 — Regional Context
Lake County
Legend
Village of Brooklyn Heights
Peer Communities
City of Cleveland 90
Other Communities
County Borders
rie
keE
La
271 Geauga
County
Lorain Cleveland
County
90
Cuyahoga
71 Heights
Brooklyn
480 Brooklyn
Heights
Heights
271
DRAFT December 24, 2020
Valley
View
80
Walton Hills
77 Summit County
480
Lorain County
80
Medina County
71
10 IntroductionVILLAGE CONTEXT
The Village of Brooklyn Heights is shown in the map below. Two CSX Railroad (CSX) lines run through the Village of
The Village encompasses approximately 1.7 square miles Brooklyn Heights. The east-west track of the CSX rail line travels
and is largely comprised of one-family residential areas with south of Van Epps Road before it crosses over the Cuyahoga
a concentrated industrial area along Spring and Van Epps River into Cuyahoga Heights at the Village’s northeast border.
Roads in the northwestern corner of the Village. The area The CSX Railroad’s north-south track runs parallel to the
north of West and East Schaaf Roads contains other industrial Cuyahoga River along the Village’s eastern border. Other
areas that include working greenhouses and several active environmental features include a portion of the West Creek
or closed landfills. Just south of Granger Road, which bisects that flows through the Village to the south.
the Village, is Interstate 480, which cuts through the Village’s
southernmost region, and separates the residential areas from
one another and the industrial areas.
Map 2 — Planning Context
Legend
SPRING ROAD
Brooklyn Heights Boundary
AD
Parcel Boundaries
Cuyahoga
PS RO
Community Boundaries
VAN EP
Highways
Heights
Major Roads
Railroad
VAN EPPS ROAD
Cleveland
W
SC
HA
AF
UE
RO
AD
EN
AV
DO
XE
TU
EET
TR
HS VALLEY BELT ROAD
RT 480
NO
E SCHAAF ROAD
DRAFT December 24, 2020
TUXEDO AVENUE
77
W 4TH STREET
Parma Valley
W 7TH STREET
PARK DRIVE 17
GRANGER ROAD
View
Independence
Seven Hills 480
RES
OUR
CE D
RIV
E
IVE
TER DR
LANCAS
480
DORSET DRIVE
Independence
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 111.3 PREVIOUS PLANS
2003 MASTER PLAN
The last Village of Brooklyn Heights Master Plan was completed by the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission in 2003.
Through an analysis of data, visioning exercises, and a series of focused committees, the Master Plan outlined five Goals
and three Strategic Focus Areas, which are listed here:
Economic Development Infrastructure
▪ Utilize the Village’s central location and highway ▪ Provide a safe, efficient, and well-maintained street
access network that services residents and businesses
▪ Create an attractive commercial corridor that serves Focus Area: Granger Road Corridor
both residents and employees Focus Area: North of Schaaf Road
Focus Area: Granger Road Corridor
Focus Area: North of Schaaf Road Quality of Life
▪ Transform West Creek Valley and the Cuyahoga
Housing River Valley into prime community assets
▪ Create new construction housing options to serve ▪ Combine recreation and greenspace opportunities
specific segments of residents (families with children, in the community
empty-nesters, and senior citizens) ▪ Work with property owners to convert existing
Focus Area: North of Schaaf Road landfills to other uses
▪ Address the shared safety needs of vehicular traffic,
Environmentally Sensitive Areas pedestrians, and bicyclists
▪ Protect environmentally sensitive areas such ▪ Ensure that residential and business uses exist
as steep slopes, wetlands, watercourses, and harmoniously
floodplains Focus Area: East of Van Epps Road
Focus Area: East of Van Epps Road Focus Area: Granger Road Corridor
Focus Area: North of Schaaf Road Focus Area: North of Schaaf Road
DRAFT December 24, 2020
12 IntroductionSTRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS
To further define the five Village-wide Goals, the 2003 Master Plan identified three (3) Strategic Focus Areas that outlined
key areas of the Village. Each Focus Area recommendation included a comprehensive look at land use and zoning, traffic
counts, and potential development. The following summaries focus on the potential development recommendation
outlined for each Strategic Focus Areas.
East of Van Epps Road Focus Area Avenue and extending eastward. The recommendations for
this area were proposed in two (2) phases. Phase I looked
This Focus Area was proposed by the Cleveland Metroparks at the western and middle parcels of land for a potential
and endorsed by the Village of Brooklyn Heights’ Council. 100,500 square foot retail building. In Phase II, the eastern
It included parcels on the east side of Van Epps Road parcel could be developed for a 30,000 square foot office
and extended from the northern boundary of the Village building.
southward to the CSX Railroad embankment. A proposed
project called for the Cleveland Metroparks to acquire North of Schaaf Road Focus Area
a 17.4 acre conservation easement that would include
wooded hillsides and the riparian wildlife habitat that This Focus Area was bounded by the CSX Railroad
extended approximately 1,500 linear feet along the valley. embankment, the Cuyahoga River, the terminus of Valley
Belt Road, and the rear lot lines of parcels fronting the
The East of Van Epps Road Focus Area would emphasize north side of Schaaf Road totaling approximately 203 acres
the importance of viewsheds to and from areas of changing of land. The land area extending from the rear lot lines of
elevations, and the need to protect areas such as steep the parcels fronting on Schaaf Road to the rim of the valley
slopes from inappropriate alteration or development. wall was about 112 acres of the total 203 acre land parcel.
Additionally, this Focus Area’s aims included prioritizing One of the parcels included in this focus area was owned by
the transformation of the Cuyahoga River Valley into a the Village of Brooklyn Heights and the remaining parcels in
prime community asset, as well as blending recreation and the focus area were privately-owned.
greenspace opportunities in the Village.
The potential development recommendations for this
Granger Road Corridor Focus Area Strategic Focus Area evolved over several months of
meetings with Village Council, the administration, property
This Focus Area looked at three (3) specific areas located owners, and Village residents. The final recommendations
along Granger Road: were broken out into five (5) development alternatives with
the following six (6) characteristics:
Area A – The area on the north side of Granger Road
across from Lancaster Drive was identified as a site that • Recommend future uses for the land located between
could potentially support a 30,200 square foot retail the rear lot lines of the parcels fronting the north side
development. Further, as this area developed, it could of Schaaf Road and the rim of the valley.
become part of a bikeway network for the Village with • Recommend future uses for the construction and
Lancaster Drive as a collector route. A pedestrian path demolition debris landfills adjacent to the Cuyahoga
could be built separated from the roadway. River.
• Protect the hillside and remaining tree cover that forms
Area B – The area on the south side of Granger Road
the valley wall extending from the CSX overpass to
located between Action Door and the Westbound exit
Valley Belt Road.
ramp of Interstate 480. The land next to Action Door was
DRAFT December 24, 2020
privately-owned, with the land to the west part of the • Utilize buffers to minimize the impact of light industrial
State of Ohio-owned right-of-way between Interstate 480 uses on residential uses
and Granger Road. The total land area was approximately • Link this area to the existing street network, without
6.5 to 7.0 acres. The privately-owned land next to Action directing additional truck traffic to the residential
Door could be developed into a 60,000 square foot office portion of Schaaf Road located east of Schaaf Lane.
building. The land owned by the State of Ohio could be
developed into a 32,4000 square foot office building. • Create a connection from this area to the Towpath
Trail, located on the east side of the Cuyahoga River.
Area C – The area on the north side of Granger Road that
included the northeast corner of the intersection of Tuxedo
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 131.3
WEST CREEK GREENWAY TRAIL MASTER PLAN
The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District is undergoing Trails are planned that interconnect and expand the
design of restoration measures along the lower reaches of existing sidewalk system with off road routes that
the creek above its confluence with the Cuyahoga River. The shorten normal travel times, avoid road congestion and
West Creek Preservation Conservancy (WCPC) is seeking improve travel safety. They have the added advantages of
funds to restore the confluence’s reach of the stream. connections with nature and a healthy lifestyle.
Restoration measures are also planned within the West
Creek Reservation. All these measures, along with WCPC’s The trail and greenway system is defined in the plan
efforts to have Brooklyn Heights, Parma, Seven Hills, and by segment, including: the West Creek Greenway Trail
Independence, the four communities immediately within Segment, the Stearns Farm Connector Trail Segment, the
the West Creek Watershed, adopt riparian zone ordinances West Creek Reservation Trail Segment and the West Creek
to protect the stream and improve water quality will Communities Trail Segment. These combined connect at
eventually lead to improved stream conditions. both the northern and southern ends with the Ohio and
Erie Canalway Towpath Trail to form a continuous nineteen-
The concept for the West Creek Trail and Greenway mile loop within the four communities. The Trail Plan also
system centers on community connections and greenway includes a series of suggested details for trail and trailhead
conservation. A series of trails are planned that connect the construction.
four communities with each other, their neighborhoods,
and community resources, so that residents and visitors
have an active transportation choice for traveling to work,
school, shopping, or recreation. Due to the compact nature
of community land uses this is a practical possibility that
does not require dramatic changes to the urban fabric.
DRAFT December 24, 2020
14 IntroductionPLAN TRAIL SEGMENTS
West Creek Greenway Trail Segment
The 6.9-mile West Creek Greenway Trail segment connects
the Towpath trail near the Creek’s confluence at the
Cuyahoga River in Independence with the West Creek
Reservation further south. The greenway takes advantage
of the park lands in Brooklyn Heights and Parma that exist
along the greenway to connect community resources with
West Creek Greenway Trail Segment
the neighborhoods. A substantial part of the trail’s length
is within the residential neighborhoods on a proposed
widened sidewalk. West Creek Reservation Trail Segment
West Creek Reservation Trail Segment
The 1.9-mile West Creek Reservation Trail is the major
all purpose trail through the developing West Creek
Reservation, connecting at both the northern and southern
ends of the park with the West Creek Greenway corridor.
The trail gives Reservation visitors and Greenway users the
opportunity to experience the West Creek Valley up close.
Not only does the trail pass by the Reservation’s many
planned facilities but the experience of the trail through the
West Creek valley is unmatched elsewhere in the Greenway.
Stearns Farm Connector Trail Segment
Just west of the Reservation off Ridge Road in Parma
is a unique park facility that interprets a working farm
for visitors. Community leaders have a strong desire to
connect this special facility with the Reservation through
a connector trail. The 3.6-mile route not only connects Stearns Farm Connector Trail Segment
Stearns Farm Park with West Creek Reservation but it offers
opportunities to connect western neighborhoods and
major institutional facilities with both parks.
West Creek Communities Trail Segment
The 7.1-mile West Creek Communities Trail Segment
connects the southern end of West Creek Reservation with
the communities of Parma, Seven Hills and Independence
and the Ohio and Erie Canalway Towpath Trail in Valley
DRAFT December 24, 2020
View. The route is continuous through neighborhoods and
past civic facilities.
West Creek Communities Trail Segment
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 151.4 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS
EARLY HISTORY & ESTABLISHMENT
What is today known as the Village of Brooklyn Heights was once part of the unincorporated areas of Brooklyn and Independence
Townships. In 1902, taxpayers wanted to withdraw from Brooklyn Township during a tax dispute, but especially to establish their
own school district. After a successful campaign, the Village was incorporated in February 1903.
During the 1920s, the population in Brooklyn Heights swelled to approximately 605 residents. In 1927, two-thirds of the
community, an area west of Brookpark Road and nearly half the population, was annexed to the City of Cleveland. The remaining
413 residents rebuilt their community under the mayoral leadership of George Thompson. The Village, after years of financial
difficulty, grew to 1,600 people in 1958.
AGRICULTURAL PAST
The first Village Mayor Martin Ruetenik and Hamilton Richardson helped to create the Cleveland Growers Marketing Company.
Over time, Brooklyn Heights developed into one of the leading vegetable greenhouse areas in the United States, with over 100
acres under glass. The motto “the Greenhouse Center of American” was adopted by the Village in 1932.
While the Village retained its status as a greenhouse center, land in Brooklyn Heights eventually gave way to industry. In 1984,
Brooklyn Heights had 1,653 people, over 100 industries, 500 residences, and five greenhouses.
AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR BEAUTIFUL PARK
During the first 50 years of the 20th Century, an area of parkland towards the southwest border of the Village served as an area
of preservation and protection for the approximately one-mile span of the West Creek and its woodlands. However, the officials
of the Village of Brooklyn Heights found that this location along the Seven Hills border was “simply a unique and beautiful public
park in the middle of a highly urbanized and residential landscape.” As the Village moved away from its agricultural roots, Brooklyn
Heights continued to recognize the importance of protecting West Creek and its much-needed floodplain by maintaining the vital
streamside forest and riparian area as well as the surrounding area of upland forest.
Brooklyn Heights Park serves as a vital trail connection that will eventually link to the Cleveland Metroparks West Creek
Reservation and Watershed Stewardship Center, the historic Henninger House, and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, as well
surrounding neighborhoods, business districts, and points of interest along the West Creek and West Creek Greenway.
DRAFT December 24, 2020
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS TODAY
Througout the 20th Century, the Village of Brooklyn Heights evolved from a small agricultural town to a thriving village with
approximately 1,500 residents and over 200 companies located within a 1.76 square mile radius. Bounded by the Cuyahoga
River, the Village of Cuyahoga Heights, and the City of Independence to the east, the City of Parma to the West, and the City of
Seven Hills to the south, Brooklyn Heights is centrally located ten miles south of Downtown Cleveland, and is the midway point
between both east and west side communities.
In addition to providing many amenities and being an ideal place to grow a business, the Village of Brooklyn Heights has among
the lowest property taxes in the state of Ohio, and provides exceptional safety and services to all residences and businesses.
16 IntroductionDRAFT December 24, 2020
Top left: Martin L. Ruetenik, owner, Ruetenik Gardens Greenhouse. March 1929.
Second from the left, center: Reuetenik Gardens, Brooklyn Heights, Ohio. Oldest vegetable greenhouse in the
United States. April 1954.
Third from the center: Schaaf Road Greenhouse, lettuce packing for Central Food Terminal. November 1970.
Second from the bottom, left: Zurowski’s Greenhouse, 468 Schaaf Road.
Bottom left: Heart of greenhouse belt on Schaaf Road, August 1970.
Source: Village of Brooklyn Heights
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 17DRAFT December 24, 2020
2 Current Conditions
WHATS INSIDE COMMUNITY PROFILE pages 20-39
Many factors affect a community’s future, including population TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE PROFILE
and housing trends, income and tax receipts, proximity to pages 40-55
transit, and natural features. These elements are important in
establishing a baseline for what exists today, what challenges
LAND USE PROFILE pages 56-65
must be addressed, and what opportunities may arise. The
Current Conditions section provides an overall assessment of
these trends in Brooklyn Heights. COMMUNITY SERVICES PROFILE pages 66-69
Within this section are four profiles: the community profile, the
transportation & infrastructure profile, the land use profile, and
the community services profile. At the beginning of each profile
is a summary page that calls out key findings from that profile.
ABOUT THE DATA
The data in the Current Conditions section comes from
numerous sources, including the U.S. Census’ American
Community Survey, Cuyahoga County, the Cuyahoga County
Planning Commission, and the Village of Brooklyn Heights. A list
of these data sources can be found below.
• American Community Survey, 2014-2018 Five Year
Estimates
• Cuyahoga County Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• United States Decennial Census
• Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD)
• Northern Ohio Data and Information Service (NODIS)
• Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA)
• Regional Income Tax Agency
It is important for readers of this Current Conditions document
to understand that due to Brooklyn Heights’ small population
size, margins of error may be large in some cases, but the
data still represents sound results and provides a reliable,
DRAFT December 24, 2020
overall snapshot of the community as it is today. This primarily
affects data gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Five-Year
American Community Survey (ACS) data source.
Images Source: County Planning & Village of Brooklyn HeightsCOMMUNITY PROFILE
KEY FINDINGS
Population Age of Population Median Household
Income
Since 2000, the The Village of Brooklyn
population in Brooklyn Heights saw population The Village’s median
Heights has remained growth among children, household income of
relatively stable young adults, and $72,206 is significantly
seniors higher than the
DRAFT December 24, 2020
County’s
Image Source: Village of Brooklyn Heights
20 Current ConditionsEmployment Occupancy Median Home Sales
The Village has seen Brooklyn Heights has a In 2019, there was 31
an increase in the total housing occupancy rate single-family home
number of jobs since of 96.8%, one of the sales with a median
the Great Recession highest in the County sales price of $160,000
DRAFT December 24, 2020
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 212.1 COMMUNITY
POPULATION
Figure 1 — Total Population, 1950-2018
Population size and growth trends are key factors that can
influence land use decisions and municipal services. Between 3,000
1950-1980, the Village of Brooklyn Heights saw significant
population growth with the highest Village population of
2,508
2,400
2,371
1,653 residents in 1980. However, population declined by 2,500
2,285
2,281
2,199
2,179
12% between 1980 and 1990. By 2000, the population had
2,137
2,034
rebounded to 1,558 residents and has remained relatively
2,005
stable since that time with only slight population decreases. 2,000
1,776
1,653
1,576
1,558
1,543
1,527
1,512
Comparatively, Peer Communities experienced similar
1,450
1,449
1,422
population fluctuations with small population decreases in 1,500
1,221
recent decades. Despite slightly declining totals, Brooklyn
Heights’ population remains 62% higher than it was in 1950. In
998
931
Cuyahoga County, the estimated population in 2018 is lower 1,000
866
796
739
713
than it was in 1950.
682
638
614
599
500
0
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga Heights Valley View Walton Hills
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2018 (estimated)
Figure 2 — Percent Change in Total Population, Compared to 1950
250%
203% 203%
189% 187%
200% 180%
164%
150%
122%
DRAFT December 24, 2020
100% 78%
64% 67% 66% 62%
56% 56%
50% 24%
19%
8% 2% 0%
0%
-8% -10%
0%
-50%
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2018
(estimated)
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga County Peer Communities
22 Current ConditionsDENSITY
Population density is a measure of population by square mile.
When mapped, it can display how concentrated or scattered
the population is in an area. Areas that are densely populated
tend to support walkable amenities such as restaurants and
Figure 3 — Density, 2018
retail, and sometimes can have different needs such as greater
transit frequencies, open spaces, or biking accommodations. Community Population per Square Mile
Cuyahoga Heights 191 persons
The Village of Brooklyn Heights is approximately 1.76 square
Valley View 360 persons
miles with 1,512 residents, yielding a Village-wide density
of 864 persons per square mile. Brooklyn Heights has one Independence 743 persons
of the lowest densities of its surrounding communities and Brooklyn Heights 864 persons
could be attributed to the industrial and business parks in the
Seven Hills 2,373 persons
northwestern portion of the Village and the environmental
constraints of the Cuyahoga River on the northeast border. Parma 3,925 persons
The residential neighborhoods in Brooklyn Heights are less Cleveland 4,655 persons
densely populated (and with smaller household sizes) in those
areas. Neighboring communities have densities less than 2,510
persons per square mile. Neighborhoods in Seven Hills and
Parma have the highest nearby densities.
Map 3 — Population Density, 2018
Legend
Population Density
Lower Density
SPRING ROAD
AD
(0 to 2,510 persons per
Cuyahoga
PS RO
square mile)
VAN EP
Heights
Higher Density
(6,795 or more persons per
VAN EPPS ROAD
square mile)
Cleveland
W
SC
HA
AF
UE
RO
AD
EN
AV
O
X ED
TU
EET
TR
HS VALLEY BELT ROAD
RT 480
NO
E SCHAAF ROAD
TUXEDO AVENUE
77
W 4TH STREET
Parma Valley
W 7TH STREET
PARK DRIVE 17
GRANGER ROAD
View
DRAFT December 24, 2020
Independence
Seven Hills 480
RES
OUR
CE D
RIV
E
E IV
TER DR
LANCAS
480
DORSET DRIVE
Independence
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 232.1
AGE
The age of residents can determine many of the housing
Figure 4 — Population Pyramid, 2018
and social needs within a community. A tool commonly
used in such a determination is the population pyramid. 85 and over 2.7% 2.0%
The population pyramid is a graph that shows the age-sex
distribution of a given population within a region. While the 80 to 84 2.3% 1.5%
population pyramid does depict the actual population in 75 to 79 2.8% 4.3%
numbers, it shows what portion of people fall into each cohort
through percentages and is used to examine the current 70 to 74 3.5% 2.8%
resident profile, see trends in the past, and also to project how 65 to 69 4.8% 7.2%
the population will increase/decrease in the future.
60 to 64 6.5% 10.1%
The Village of Brooklyn Heights has a larger population 55 to 59 7.4% 7.4%
of seniors and children, with a small population of young
50 to 54 7.6% 6.2%
adults and working-age adults, possibly representing
multi-generational households. The population pyramid 45 to 49 6.7% 6.9%
for Cuyahoga County and Brooklyn Heights shows a similar 40 to 44 6.1% 5.1%
distribution among residents 10 to 14 years old, 35 to 39
years old, 45 to 49 years old, and 55 to 59 years old. Brooklyn 35 to 39 5.7% 6.3%
Heights has a significantly higher percentage of residents 5 to 9 30 to 34 6.3% 5.3%
years old (8.8%), 60 to 64 years old (10.1%), and 65 to 69 years
old (7.2%) as compared to the County in those age categories. 25 to 29 6.6% 4.6%
20 to 24 6.5% 4.6%
Between 2013 and 2018, the change in population by age in
Brooklyn Heights saw the Village gaining population and rapidly 15 to 19 6.5% 4.4%
expanding among children (+28.5%), young adults (+26.5%), 10 to 14 6.2% 6.7%
and seniors (+12.6%). However, working age adults saw the
5 to 9 5.8% 8.8%
smallest increase in population.
Under 5 5.8% 5.6%
Cuyahoga County Brooklyn Heights
DRAFT December 24, 2020
24 Current ConditionsHOUSEHOLDS
Like population, households are another key indicator of a Figure 5 — Total Households, 2000, 2013 and 2018
community’s profile and needs. The U.S. Census defines a
household as any person or group of people living together
in a residence regardless of relationship. A household may 950
1000 903 917
consist of a person living alone or of multiple related and/or 779 762
unrelated individuals living together. 800 703
594 566 626
600
The total number of households in Brooklyn Heights increased
from 566 households in 2013 to 626 households in 2018. That 400
261 255 260
number correlates to a 10.6% increase in total households. 200
During the same time period, the average household size
0
increased and Brooklyn Heights saw the greatest increase
Brooklyn Cuyahoga Valley View Walton Hills
in average household size in comparison to the Peer
Heights Heights
Communities and the County as a whole.
Total Households, 2000 Total Households, 2013
The Village of Brooklyn Heights saw an increase by 29.0% in Total Households, 2018
two-person households and 12.9% in four or more person
households. There was a decrease in both one-person
households (-5.3%) and three-person households (-3.8%) from
2013 to 2018.
Figure 6 — Percent Change in Number of Households by Size, 2013-2018
74.3%
29.6% 30.8% 29.0%
DRAFT December 24, 2020
20.3%
16.2%
11.7% 12.9% 13.7%
3.8% 2.7% 2.5%
-2.4%
-5.1% -5.8% -6.4% -6.6%
-22.2%
-26.7%
-29.8%
1-Person Households 2-Person Households 3-Person Households 4-Person+ Households
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga County Cuyahoga Heights Valley View Walton Hills
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 252.1
RACE & ETHNICITY
The racial and ethnic background of a community can help
to inform policy and program decisions. For this analysis, Figure 8 — Race and Ethnicity, 2018
residents identifying as Hispanic were considered as a
separate category from other racial groups. Brooklyn Cuyahoga Cuyahoga Valley Walton
Heights County Heights View Hills
The population in Brooklyn Heights is relatively homogeneous White 92.6% 59.2% 87.9% 96.6% 87.5%
with 92.6% of residents identifying as White. The remaining Black 2.0% 29.3% 1.0% 0.8% 8.7%
7.4% of residents identify as Hispanic (3.1%), Black (2.0%), Asian Asian 1.7% 2.9% 7.1% 0.6% 0.8%
(1.7%), two or more races (0.4%), or other (0.2%). Compared
Two or 0.4% 2.4% 3.2% 1.8% 1.0%
to its Peer Communities, Brooklyn Heights has a similar
More Races
percentage of residents that identify as White, with Valley View
having a slightly higher percentage. As a whole, Cuyahoga Other 0.2% 0.4% 0.8% 0.0% 0.0%
County is more heterogeneous with 59.2% of residents Hispanic 3.1% 5.8% 0.0% 0.2% 1.9%
identifying as White and 29.3% of residents identifying as Black.
Figure 7 — Race and Ethnicity of Population, 2018
3.1%
Brooklyn Heights 92.6% 2.0%
White
Cuyahoga County 59.2% 29.3% 5.8% Black
Asian
Cuyahoga Heights 87.9% 7.1%
Two or
DRAFT December 24, 2020
More Races
Valley View 96.6% Other
Hispanic
Walton Hills 87.5% 8.7%
1.9%
26 Current ConditionsEDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Higher educational attainment often indicates higher incomes, Those residents with a High School Diploma or its equivalent
which can strengthen a community’s economy. Brooklyn make up the biggest contingent of the Village’s population.
Heights residents, in comparison with Peer Communities and Of all residents, a fifth have some college education and
Cuyahoga County, are very similar in educational attainment. more than a quarter of the residents hold an associate’s or
bachelor’s degree and less than a fifth hold a master’s degree
or higher.
Figure 9 — Educational Attainment of Population, 2018
Brooklyn Heights 6.4% 34.8% 21.2% 28.1% 9.5%
Cuyahoga County 10.7% 28.0% 21.8% 26.3% 13.2%
DRAFT December 24, 2020
Peer Communities 5.4% 37.1% 20.4% 27.7% 9.5%
Less than High School Diploma High School Graduate Some College Bachelor's or Associates Degrees Master's or Higher
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 272.1
INCOME
Median household income (MHI) is an important indicator in In comparison to the Peer Communities and Cuyahoga County
gauging purchasing power, the ability for residents to maintain as a whole, the Village maintains the highest percentage of
their homes, and future income tax revenues. The Brooklyn households earning between $35,000 to $74,999 annually
Heights median household income in 2018 was $72,206, an (33.1%) and $75,000 to $149,999 annually (36.1%) but among
increase over the previous years, and was significantly higher the lowest percentage of households earning less than
than the County’s MHI of $48,435. $15,000 and households earning $15,000 to $34,999 annually
(14.5%).
Figure 10 — Median Household Income, 2018 Figure 11 — Households by Income Category, 2018
$72,206 13.1%
9.5%
15.2%
$64,212
22.6%
$48,435
$45,004 36.1% 32.9%
29.8%
DRAFT December 24, 2020
30.8%
33.1%
22.0%
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga County
16.0%
14.5%
2013 (inflation adjusted) 2018 16.0%
3.2% 5.0%
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga County Peer Communities
Less than $15,000 $15,000 to $34,999 $35,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $149,999 $150,000 or more
28 Current ConditionsINCOME TAXES Figure 12 — Collected Municipal Income Tax by
Jurisdiction, 2018
Income tax is the largest revenue stream for the Village of
Brooklyn Heights and is drawn from three sources: taxes from
employee withholdings, taxes from individuals, and taxes on
net profits. Brooklyn Heights and three of its Peer Communities
have a tax rate of 2.5% – only Valley View has a lower income $11,458,696
tax of 2.0%. $9,670,879
According to the Regional Income Tax Agency’s (RITA’s)
2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), the
Village of Brooklyn Heights’ annual income tax collection was $4,897,279
approximately $4.9 million. On a per capita basis, Brooklyn
Heights collected $3,239 per resident, the lowest among the
Peer Communities*. This is due to Brooklyn Heights having
a comparatively small concentration of commercial and
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga Heights Valley View
industrial jobs. In comparison, the Village of Cuyahoga Heights
has the highest municipal income tax receipts among the Peer
Communities due to its small population.
Figure 13 — Collected Municipal Income Tax per Capita,
In the past ten years, municipal income tax revenues among 2018
the Peer Communities have fluctuated with communities
seeing steady increases in revenue or recent declines. In $18,662
comparison, the Village of Brooklyn Heights’ municipal income
tax revenues have stayed relatively stable with revenues
ranging between $4.1 and 4.9 million, except in 2011 when
revenues were below $3.9 million. However, in 2018, the Village
saw its municipal income tax revenues increase by 6.1% from
the previous year.
*The Village of Walton Hills is not a part of RITA and a CAFR was
not available at the time of this report.
$4,823
$3,239
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga Heights Valley View
Figure 14 — Collected Municipal Income Tax Revenues, 2009-2018
$14,000,000
$12,000,000
DRAFT December 24, 2020
$10,000,000
$8,000,000
$6,000,000
$4,000,000
$2,000,000
$-
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga Heights Valley View
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 292.1
EMPLOYMENT
Employment trends are indicators of local economic health. declined over that period, the total of number of jobs started
The total number of people employed in Brooklyn Heights in to rebound in 2014. Despite this increase in the total number
2017—the most recent year for which data is available—was of jobs over the past few years, the number of jobs in Brooklyn
4,492. That number is considerably down when compared to Heights is still 10.7% lower than 2008.
a decade ago, when 5,028 people were employed in Brooklyn
Heights prior to the Great Recession. The Wholesale Trade (21.9%); Construction (13.0%); and
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (12.7%) sectors
During the Great Recession, Brooklyn Heights, along with comprise nearly 50% of employment in Brooklyn Heights.
the Peer Communities and Cuyahoga County as a whole, lost These are the largetst employment sectors in the Village.
jobs. When compared to those areas, the Village of Brooklyn
Heights saw a sharper decline in the number of jobs from
2008 to 2017. Although employment in the Village had steadily
Figure 15 — Percent Change in Total Employment Compared to 2008
10%
5%
0.0%
0%
-6.7%
-5%
-10.7%
-10%
-15% -19.4% -19.6%
-20.6%
-20% -23.0% -23.0%
-25.9% -26.0%
-25%
-30%
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga County Peer Communities
Figure 16 — Percent of Total Employment by Sector, 2015
DRAFT December 24, 2020
Brooklyn Heights 21.9% 13.0% 12.7% 9.7% 9.6% 8.3% 24.8%
Wholesale Trade
Construction
Professional, Scientific, and
Technical Services
Cuyahoga County 5.2% 7.0% 9.2% 6.9% 66.1% Manufacturing
Administration & Support,
Waste Management and
Remediation
Public Administration
Peer Communities All other sectors
18.4% 7.4% 4.8% 22.1% 9.0% 36.7%
30 Current ConditionsEMPLOYMENT CENTERS
Employment in Brooklyn Heights is comprised of a mix of Just outside of Brooklyn Heights, the densest concentration
industries and sectors ranging from Wholesale Trade to of employment is a Retail/Commercial/Services Corridor just
Public Administration. One such area of high employment southeast of the border in the City of Independence near the
concentration and employment sector diversity within the Interstate 77 interchange at Rockside Road. Also, just beyond
Village is the West Resources Drive industrial/business park the western border in the City of Parma is a Retail/Commercial
area, bounded by Granger Road to the north and Interstate District at Rockside and Broadview Roads.
480 to the south. Another highly concentrated employment
center is in the northwest corner of the Village around Spring
and Van Epps Roads.
Map 4 — Major Employment Centers
Industrial/Business
Legend
Park Area
Employment Centers - Jobs
SPRING ROAD
Density, 2017
AD
Cuyahoga
PS RO
Lower Job Density
VAN EP
Heights
VAN EPPS ROAD
Higher Job Density
Cleveland
W
SC
HA
AF
UE
RO
AD
EN
Industrial/Business
AV
O
ED
Park Areas
X
TU
T
T REE
HS VALLEY BELT ROAD
RT 480
NO
E SCHAAF ROAD
TUXEDO AVENUE
77
W 4TH STREET
Parma Valley
W 7TH STREET
PARK DRIVE 17
GRANGER ROAD
View
DRAFT December 24, 2020
Independence
Retail/Commercial
District
Seven Hills 480
RES
OUR
CE D
RIV
E
Retail/Commercial/
Services Corridor
IVE
TER DR
LANCAS
480
DORSET DRIVE
Independence
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 312.1
HOUSING OCCUPANCY Figure 18 — Occupancy Rates, 2018
Occupancy rates display what percent of housing units within
an area are currently occupied. Unoccupied or vacant units
are not necessarily vacant and abandoned, and may include
for-sale or second homes that are not currently lived in. In
Brooklyn Heights, 96.8% of units are occupied, which is a
96.8% 95.3%
slightly higher rate than the Peer Communities (95.3%) and
87.0%
Cuyahoga County (87.0%) as a whole.
TENURE
Tenure describes whether a unit is owned or rented. Brooklyn
Heights’ rental rate of 10.9% is lower than Peer Communities
and Cuyahoga County, indicating a higher owner-occupancy
rate. Additionally, unlike most communities, Brooklyn Heights’
rental rate decreased between 2013 and 2018. Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga County Peer Communities
Figure 19 — Renter Occupied, 2013 & 2018
41.6%
39.1%
13.8%
10.9% 11.7%
9.3%
DRAFT December 24, 2020
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga County Peer Communities
2013 2018
32 Current ConditionsRENT
Figure 20 — Median Rent, 2013 and 2018
Median gross rent is an indicator of a housing market’s
strength. Median gross rent in Brooklyn Heights was $1,144 in $1,266
$1,144
2018, a decrease from $1,266 in 2017 inflation-adjusted terms.
This decrease in inflation-adjusted terms mirrors trends in the $800 $790
County. The Village of Brooklyn Heights’ median rental rates
remain above those of the County as a whole.
When categorizing rental units in Brooklyn Heights by their
price, the Village has more units that are $1,000 or more per
month than Peer Communities and the County. This is likely a
reflection of the size and quality of the single-family homes for Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga County
rent in the Village.
2013 (inflation adjusted) 2018
Figure 21 — Percent of Rental Units by Gross Rent, 2018
Brooklyn Heights 7.5% 13.4% 17.9% 61.2%
Cuyahoga County 23.3% 28.1% 21.9% 26.7%
Peer Communities 17.4% 25.3% 50.5%
Less than $600 $600 to $799 $800 to $999 $1000 or more
AFFORDABILITY
Figure 22 — Change in Rent, Sales Price, and Income,
Comparing the change in income, rent, and sales price gives 2013-2018
insight into the Village’s housing affordability. In Brooklyn
Heights, median household income between 2013 and 2018 is
up 15.5%, median rent is down -1.3%, and median sales price
is up 31.2%. This indicates that homes are becoming slightly
+31.2%
less expensive to rent in Brooklyn Heights while buying a home
is more expensive. +15.5%
+10.6% +13.0%
+7.9%
-1.3%
Change in Median Change in Median rent Change in Median sales
Household Income price, single-family home
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga County
DRAFT December 24, 2020
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 332.1
HOUSING UNITS
Most of the homes in Brooklyn Heights were built in the
post war suburban bungalow style. In the Village, 30.1% of
housing units were constructed in the decade from 1950 to
1959. In total, 68.6% of units in Brooklyn Heights were built Figure 23 — Percent of Housing Units Built Each Decade
in the period from 1940 to 1979, compared to 53.4% of units
Countywide.
1939 or earlier 12.4% 30.0%
Analyzing a community’s housing by the number of units in a 1940 to 1949 8.8% 9.5%
structure describes the types of buildings in a community. For 1950 to 1959 30.1% 20.0%
instance, a one-unit structure would be a single-family home or 1960 to 1969 10.2% 13.9%
possibly an attached townhouse. A two-unit structure would be 1970 to 1979 19.5% 10.0%
a duplex, and a 50-unit structure would be a large apartment 1980 to 1989 2.9% 5.4%
or condo building. 1990 to 1999 10.0% 5.9%
2000 to 2009 5.7% 4.2%
Consistent with post-war development trends, Brooklyn 2010 or later
1.1%
Heights’ housing units are almost entirely single-family
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga County
detached structures. In the Village, 98.8% of units are single-
family detached. This is slightly higher than the other Peer
Communities, with only Walton Hills having a matching rate of
single-family units. In comparison, only 59.0% of housing units
in Cuyahoga County are single-family detached.
Figure 24 — Percent of Housing Units by Number of Units in Structure, 2018
Brooklyn Heights 98.8%
Single-unit Detached
DRAFT December 24, 2020
Cuyahoga County 59.0% 5.2% 12.8% 4.3% 8.2% 9.8% Single-unit Attached
2 to 4 Units
Cuyahoga Heights 75.4% 3.9% 20.7% 5 to 9 Units
10 to 49 Units
Valley View 97.6% 50 or More Units
Other
Walton Hills 98.8%
34 Current ConditionsHOUSING MARKET
Housing market strength is a major indicator of economic The Village of Brooklyn Heights’ Housing Market strength is
strength for a community. When the economy is strong, and rated as healthy, along with the neighboring communities of
people are confident about the future, they are more inclined Independence, and some portions of Parma and Cleveland
to purchase homes, upgrade their current residences, or buy closest to Brooklyn Heights. Seven Hills has a slightly healthier
larger dwelling units. housing market strength. This difference in ratings could be
due to a number of factors, but could also largely be due to
The map below identifies housing market strength based Brooklyn Heights’ small size and population numbers. A single
on seven measures: poverty, tax delinquency, mortgage mortgage foreclosure or a slight increase in the unemployment
foreclosure, demolitions, vacancy, change in valuation, and rate has a much larger effect on a community of Brooklyn
unemployment rate. These measures were identified as part Heights’ size than it would on much larger municipalities.
of a Countywide Housing Study completed in 2016 by the
Cuyahoga County Planning Commission in partnership with
Cleveland State University.
Map 5 — Housing Market Strength
Legend
Housing Market Strength
SPRING ROAD
Healthier
AD
Cuyahoga
PS RO
VAN EP
Heights
Weaker
VAN EPPS ROAD
Cleveland
W
SC
HA
AF
UE
RO
AD
EN
AV
DO
XE
TU
EET
TR
HS VALLEY BELT ROAD
RT 480
NO
E SCHAAF ROAD
TUXEDO AVENUE
77
W 4TH STREET
Parma Valley
W 7TH STREET
PARK DRIVE 17
GRANGER ROAD
View
DRAFT December 24, 2020
Independence
Seven Hills 480
RES
OUR
CE D
RIV
E
E
R DRIV
TE
LANCAS
480
DORSET DRIVE
Independence
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 352.1
HOME SALES
Median sales price is an important indicator of housing market Compared to a baseline in 2009, the median sales price of
strength and can display trends over time. In 2019, there were homes in Brooklyn Heights fell 32% by 2014, before fully
31 single-family home sales in Brooklyn Heights with a median recovering by 2019. Given the relatively few homes in Brooklyn
sales price of $160,000. When compared to Peer Communities, Heights, a small number of sales can affect the median sales
this was slightly below the median sales price of Valley View prices.
and Walton Hills, but higher than Cuyahoga Heights with a
median sales price of $118,000.
Figure 25 — Median Sales Price for Single-Family Homes, 2019
$210,000 $215,500
$160,000
$118,000
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga Heights Valley View Walton Hills
Figure 26 — Percent Change in Median Sales Price Compared to 2019
30%
DRAFT December 24, 2020
20%
10%
0%
0% 0.0%
-10% -4%
-8%
-20% -16%
-21% -19%
-30% -24%
-29% -27%
-32%
-40%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga County All Suburbs
36 Current ConditionsPROPERTY TAX Figure 27 — Percent of Millage Dedicated to Taxing
Jurisdiction, Residential/Agriculture, 2017
Property taxes levied on land and buildings are based on three
elements: the determination of market value, the percentage
at which the market value is assessed, and the property tax
rate.
35.21%
The Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office appraises all taxable real 50.05%
property once every six years to determine market values.
Cuyahoga County collects this tax and redistributes it to the
taxing jurisdiction.
7.31%
3.32%
Most property taxes in Brooklyn Heights are paid to the school
district, with a much smaller percent paid to local government. 4.11%
In 2017, slightly more than half (50.05%) of residential property
taxes were paid to the local school district* and 35.21% Vocational County Local School Library Village
of property taxes were paid to Cuyahoga County. During
this time, Brooklyn Heights’ residential property tax rate
was 60.21 mills and its commercial property rate was 63.7
mills, the lowest among the Peer Communities. Since 2017, Figure 28 — Percent of Millage Dedicated to Taxing
voters in Brooklyn Heights and the Peer Communities have Jurisdiction, Commercial/Industrial, 2017
approved levies that increased taxes. The 2019 residential and
commercial tax rates in Brooklyn Heights are 66.43 mills and
61.56 mills, respectively.
33.49%
Similar to many of the Peer Communities, a large percent
of Brooklyn Heights’ tax valuation comes from residential or
52.54%
agricultural property (41.6%), but more than half (53.6%) of
its tax valuation is derived from commercial and industrial
properties. 6.90%
3.14%
*Brooklyn Heights is part of the Cuyahoga Heights Local School District
3.92%
Vocational County Local School Library Village
Figure 29 — Tax Valuation by Property Type, 2019
$200,000,000
$180,000,000 $17,014,690
9.6%
$160,000,000
$140,000,000 $58,503,350
35.3%
$120,000,000 $101,194,310
DRAFT December 24, 2020
$55,468,770 56.9%
$100,000,000 44.9%
$4,165,980 $35,807,900
$80,000,000 4.8% 21.6%
$60,000,000 $46,467,510
$57,482,380
53.6%
$40,000,000 46.5%
$71,518,540
$59,648,040 43.1%
$20,000,000 $36,002,250 33.5%
41.6% $10,667,420
$- 8.6%
Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga Heights Valley View Walton Hills
Residential/Agriculture Commercial/Industrial Public Utilities
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS MASTER PLAN 37You can also read
