EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a series looking at what Lake County communities, agencies and school districts experienced in 2024 and what is facing them in 2025. Willoughby Hills kicked off 2024 with its new mayor, Chris Hallum, who has continued former Mayor Andy Gardner’s focus on infrastructure and economic development in the city. While the opening of the new Sheetz in the city wrapped up 2023, it was just the beginning of new businesses coming into that area. In the past year, plans for a Five Below and AutoZone were submitted. The two are currently on the cusp of being finalized and will both be additions to the Shoppes of Willoughby Hills. Having recently received preliminary approval from the city’s Planning and Architectural Board of Review, Chipotle is also planning a 2025 opening. Throughout his 2023 campaign, Hallum made getting sidewalks in the commercial districts a priority. The city has since applied for the Community Development Block Grant to build sidewalks along the north side of Chardon Road. In September, the city was notified that the county had approved the grant request for nearly $200,000 in funding. The city has committed approximately $100,000 of its remaining ARPA funds toward the project as well. Sidewalks are recommended in the city’s recently updated Master Plan and 2025 will see the first phase of the plan implemented. The sidewalks are intended to provide residents with safer access to the local businesses in the area. Road improvements this year brought a newly resurfaced Chardon Road between Bishop and SOM Center roads, as well as Maple View Lane and Morning Star Court. Road improvements also brought with it the replacement of the Bishop Road bridge. Another project currently being considered is an extension of the multi-use path that currently terminates at the north edge of the city on SOM Center Road. The path would connect the North Chagrin Reservation path that runs along SOM Center to the path entrance just east of the Community Center. The city is currently looking at partnering with local businesses to provide easements that would position the path to pass near the Senior Apartments, St. Noel, through Roemisch Field and loop back into the Metroparks with a potential offshoot toward Campbell Park. Also in 2024, the School of Innovation, located in the city, won national recognition as a Blue Ribbon School. Other highlights to the city this year include the following: • An installation of a LED sign in front of the Community Center. • The WHISPER program continues to assist the seniors of the community. The city’s annual leaf raking event in November was a success and, with the assistance of many volunteers, leaves were able to be raked for senior residents. • The new full-time Recreation Coordinator Laura O’Donnell has worked to revitalize the Community and Senior Center’s programs, and events that take place there. Accomplishments since she came on board include acquiring new custodial equipment, assisting in building improvements and running recreation events to writing grants, partnering with the School of Innovation on a community project for Safety Town and applying for and being awarded Senior Levy funding. O’Donnell is focused on new ideas for the future, moving the city forward and making the center a vibrant hub for residents of all ages. • The second annual Music Fest held in August was bigger than 2023 and was a success with the support of local businesses, and sponsors. Plans for Music Fest 2025 are already in the works and is planned for Aug. 16. • Trivia night, held the second Tuesday of each month, has completed another year and continues to grow with the hard work and light atmosphere brought by Gardner to provide a fun, yet challenging evening of trivia. The city looks forward to additional businesses coming in while continuing to build strong relationships with the established businesses. There are plans to make improvements and expand the pickleball courts, update the Community Center and bring more to the city that will benefit residents. Hallum plans to continue the search for a cell tower location on the east end of the city as service on that end is spotty and has been an ongoing issue for both the administration, and the residents for many years. The process to find a location has been arduous, but Hallum said he remains determined.