Mayor Kim A. Thomas
"Welcome to a brighter tomorrow!"
Established in 1917, Richmond Heights was once known for its cider mills, vineyards and saw mills. While much has changed over the years, Richmond Heights is still true to its beginnings. Our City is a warm, welcoming community, where people of all ages and various walks of life come together to enjoy affordable, family-friendly, high-quality living.
Safety is of the utmost importance in our City, and we are proud to have talented, well-staffed Fire/EMS and Police Departments that boast modern equipment, including two newer ambulances and state-of-the-art police vehicles with video cameras and updated communication radios. Residents can also be at ease knowing they are just minutes from our local University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center. We recognize the importance of regionalization, which is why we are part of the Suburban Police Anti-Crime Network (SPAN), the County Jail, the Heights-Hillcrest Communications Center, Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) and the Heights-Hillcrest Technical Rescue Team (HHTRT). In addition, we belong to the Heights-Hillcrest Regional Chamber of Commerce (HRCC), Hillcrest Council of Councils, Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association, Northeast Ohio Mayors and City Managers Association, Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC), FirstEnergy Solutions Aggregation, Cuyahoga County Airport Noise Abatement Council, Northeast Ohio City Council Association, Inc. (NOCCA), Euclid Creek Watershed Council, Friends of Euclid Creek, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), Tree City USA, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD), Senior Transportation Connection (STC), among others. We are thankful for these partnerships and the mutual benefits they provide.
Richmond Heights spans approximately 4.5 square miles and boasts an assortment of housing styles and price ranges. From newly renovated apartments and condos to various senior housing options, and from beautiful ranches on park-like settings to modern luxury homes with high-end amenities, the City has something for every budget and every lifestyle. Situated just 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland, the City is conveniently located near the Playhouse Square arts district, countless dining facilities, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and Progressive Field. Our moderately-sized public school district offers youths an individualized education. Case Western University, Cleveland State, John Carroll University, Notre Dame, Ursuline, Cuyahoga Community College, and other institutions of higher learning are also located in close proximity to Richmond Heights, offering residents the opportunity to further their education while still enjoying suburban living.
With everything that our Recreation Department and Recreation Board plan, we strive to make our City a place where you can build memories; whether through the City's annual Fall Fun Fest at Greenwood Farm, Easter Egg Hunt, or Breakfast with Santa, Richmond Heights is a place where positive moments are made. On Wednesdays and Fridays, residents have the opportunity to enjoy morning fitness classes which is an affordable class held at our spacious Kiwanis Lodge. Seniors can participate in Hillcrest Meals on Wheels, the Senior Transportation Connection and the Community Partnership on Aging. For residents' convenience, our City's Service Department offers periodic hazardous waste disposal, leaf collection, tree limb and brush removal. We also partner with Simple Recycling, a program offered at no cost to the City or its residents. This recycling program enables residents to donate unwanted clothing and housewares with the convenience of weekly curbside pickup. Richmond Heights features several park options, including Richmond Heights Community Park, DeSan Park and the Greenwood Farm Community Park. These parks include many amenities, such as a pavilion, a gazebo where community concerts are held each summer, ball fields appropriate for softball or baseball, soccer field, tennis courts, Pickleball courts, and hiking trails. Richmond Heights Community Park houses a crisp, club-like community pool, spray ground, multiple grills, picnic tables, and the Kiwanis Lodge community event center. In addition to being a spot for large City events, our historic Greenwood Farm has also become home for filmmakers. To date, two full-length movies have been filmed at the Farm - including Bye Bye Man and Netflix's Little Evil. We anticipate further filming in the future.
We are proud to have a strong communication system for residents. Our e-newsletter, keeps subscribers abreast of City-related events, current news and other items of interest. We keep the needs of those who prefer hard copy publications in mind, as well, by publishing our City Edition, which is mailed to all Richmond Heights households three times annually. Residents can call our Information Line at 216-383-6300, which is updated monthly, or on an as needed basis, with pertinent Citywide news. Our Council meetings are conveniently streamed live online and recorded, giving residents the opportunity to watch meetings from the comfort of their own homes. We also maintain a video archive to accommodate for busy schedules. Day or night, you can tune into the latest happenings in Richmond Heights with our informative website, which offers regularly updated Public Notices, an event calendar, printable forms, departmental information and more. We also keep residents informed with our contemporary electronic message board, which is located at the intersection of Highland and Richmond. We are continually working to improve our efficiencies and plan for the future.
In large part, our Master Plan drives the long-term sustainability of our community. Crafted with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, this plan is moving Richmond Heights to "A Brighter Tomorrow" so it can reach its full potential. From retail shopping, to medical and health care facilities, to our schools and housing stock, we are continually working toward growth. The ultimate goal is to make the Richmond Heights of both today and tomorrow a thriving, safe and prosperous community.
It is an honor and privilege to serve you as your Mayor.
Respectfully,
Kim A. Thomas, Mayor
