Cleveland Heights City Councilwoman Resigns

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Cleveland Heights City Councilwoman Melissa Yasinow resigned on Monday night. Her resignation is effective immediately.

In a statement to the community, and sent to Patch, Yasinow said it had been an "honor and a privilege" to have represented the community for six years. She said her work on council was a highlight of her professional life.

"I am grateful to have worked with my colleagues, past and present, and with this city's qualified, competent, and professional staff. I am also enormously proud to have been a part of the team that made Top of the Hill a reality. This is a goal that has eluded our city for over 50 years, and now we are set to break ground," she said.

Cleveland Heights City Council unanimously approved the final financial package for the Top of the Hill project in the Cedar Fairmount neighborhood in February. The mixed-use development will break ground in April.

The Top of the Hill project will be located on Cedar Road and Euclid Heights Boulevard, just up the hill from University Circle. The city said the estimated $83 million project is expected to include 261 market-rate luxury apartments, up to 11,000 square feet of first-floor commercial space, up to 25,000 square feet of green space and a parking garage with 550 spaces.

"It is with this sense of pride and accomplishment that I announce my resignation from Cleveland Height Council, effective this evening. I am grateful for your trust and support, and I wish my colleagues, my friends, our staff, and this city all the best," Yasinow said.

Cleveland Heights Mayor Jason Stein said council would discuss how they would replace Yasinow, and on what timetable, on Monday.

She did not immediately respond to questions about why she is resigning.