Join Us in Protecting
Our Shaker Community

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The Stadium Proposal: University School (US) is proposing to build a high school sports stadium on its elementary school campus. US is a valued community partner, but its proposed stadium project would change  our quiet residential neighborhood for the worse, and forever. As proposed by US, the stadium would include grandstands to seat 907 spectators plus space for standing room crowds, platforms for a press  box, 80-ft tall light towers, a giant, billboard-sized scoreboard, public address system, chain link fence surrounding the facility, and the possible addition of other buildings and facilities in the future. The current regulation sized track will be replaced by a practice surface that will no longer allow the school to host track and field meets.

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Our Neighborhood's Concerns:The neighborhood surrounding University School’s elementary school campus-- bounded by Claythorne, Brantley, Shelburne, and Ashley Roads,--is included in the Shaker Village Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, in recognition of Shaker Height’s significance as a Garden City-influenced planned suburban community. (Read about Our Historic Neighborhood) This proposed stadium would disrupt the carefully planned order and serenity of our neighborhood in many ways, including:

 

   •Traffic & Parking Overflow – Parking for 1000+ fans will push cars onto Brantley, Ashley, Claythorne,            Shelburne, Belvoir, and several other nearby streets, creating congestion and potentially blocking emergency access.

    •Security After Events – Large scale high school sporting events, especially those held at night, increase foot traffic, loitering, and the need for additional supervision & security in the neighborhood.

    •Noise Impacts – Crowd noise, whistles, and amplified announcements will carry into homes.

    •Light Pollution – Tall permanent light towers will not only scar the beauty of the neighborhood but the bright lights and reflected turf glare will illuminate nearby streets and homes.

  •Property Values – The changes to the character of the neighborhood with increased traffic, parking congestion, lighting, noise, and security concerns may result in a meaningful reduction in home values that would negatively impact property tax revenue for Shaker Heights and its schools.

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Why Build a Second Stadium in Shaker?– We are unable to understand why University School needs to build  a high school sports stadium on its elementary school campus in Shaker Heights when it already has a  stadium on its 200+ acre campus in Hunting Valley. (see FAQ) For details about the proposal and our concerns read the Fact Sheet.