Council OKs $253,800 contract to study shoreline erosion and park connections

The Euclid City Council on June 2 adopted Emergency Ordinance 063-25 authorizing the mayor to execute a professional services agreement with SmithGroup for planning and community engagement related to the Euclid and Sims Parks connection and shoreline protection plan, not to exceed $253,800. The work is a deliverable for a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation National Coastal Resilience Fund award.

Administration said the contract will fund a study focused first on erosion control in the area between Euclid Park and Sims Park, where residents have raised concerns about shoreline loss and a sewer outfall. "The first concern is erosion control," a city director said, adding that community conversations will also address public access while prioritizing erosion mitigation. SmithGroup previously worked on the lakefront improvement plan, the presenter noted.

Councilmembers voiced support. One councilwoman who has attended multiple resident meetings said: "They will show you pictures of what their beach line used to look like or what the shoreline used to look like. And there's hardly anything left of it now." Councilman Wotilla asked whether the work emphasized erosion protection or public access; the administration replied erosion control is the priority, with access included in engagement.

The ordinance passed on a unanimous roll call after suspension of rules. The contract will include public outreach and deliverables required by the coastal resilience grant; staff did not provide a detailed project schedule in the council discussion.