Grandview Heights residents will soon have a new wooded green space after City Council voted 7-0 on Aug. 10, to approve Resolution 19-2026, accepting a donation of roughly one acre at 1020 Westwood Ave. from longtime residents George and Nancy Walter.

The parcel sits at the corner of Westwood and Goodale. Mayor Greta Kearns called the gift a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" at the regular council meeting, held at City Hall, 1525 Goodale Blvd. The city hopes to name the property "Walter Woods" and preserve it in its current state. Three of the four Walter children and some of their spouses attended the vote.

Before any changes to the land's use, the matter would need to go before the Planning Commission in a series of separate meetings, Kearns said.

All seven council members were present: Houston, Kak, Anthony, Smith, Walker, Weiss and Council President Keeler.

Speed limit drops to 25 mph

Kearns also announced that the speed limit on Grandview Avenue from Mulford Road to City View Drive has been reduced to 25 mph. A message board is posted and a 30-day soft enforcement period is underway.

The mayor said e-bike and electric scooter legislation is being developed by City Attorney Kuzan and the administration, with rules expected to come before council within two months.

Camera concerns raised

Resident Beth Malcusu used public comment to raise privacy concerns about Flock license-plate-reader cameras appearing at Grandview Avenue intersections.

"It is unsettling that I'm being recorded and tracked walking, riding my bike, or driving my yellow car," Malcusu said. "What are the boundaries?"

Director of Administration Maxwell responded that the city maintains a transparency portal on its website with retention policies, standard operating procedures and a list of agencies permitted to access the system.

Suicide prevention resolution

Council unanimously approved Resolution 22-2026, recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention and Action Month. Council Member Houston sponsored the resolution and shared that she lost her brother to suicide 26 years ago when she was 18 and he was 25.

The vote was 7-0.

Other business

Council also approved Resolution 21-2026, authorizing a telecommunications and utility permit for AT&T Ohio to operate and maintain infrastructure within city rights-of-way. Members approved amended minutes from the July 13 meeting and approved the July 27 meeting minutes.

The Planning Commission reported hearing two cases at its last meeting: one regarding a short-term rental on Northwest Boulevard and another about signage for the Outlaw Motor Garage Restaurant on Grandview Avenue.

What's next

The next council meeting is a special session scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24, at 7 p.m. at 1525 Goodale Blvd. The date is subject to change. Residents can view the full meeting recording on the city's YouTube channel.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.