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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A brewing controversy over the future of the historic Shaker Lakes has intensified as residents take formal action to challenge the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s plan to drain the beloved landmarks. And as the Today in Ohio podcast revealed during its Wednesday episode, even among the hosts, opinions are divided on whether the sewer district’s plan is a necessary step toward flood control — or an environmental overreach that threatens a cherished piece of local history. Three residents have sent letters to Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights officials warning that any work on the lakes without proper permits would violate federal and state laws. They claim the sewer district hasn’t completed required environmental reviews, obtained Clean Water Act authorization, or secured state water quality certification before moving forward with plans to remove dams and restore the natural stream. The sewer district maintains it’s following all proper protocols, saying it has “applied for all applicable federal and state permits, including the U.S. Army Corps and the national historic preservation work,” and won’t begin construction without them. But as the podcast discussion made clear, this battle isn’t just bureaucratic — it’s personal. “I’ve said in the past, probably controversially, that I see where the sewer district is coming from here, because they’re in the business of sewer and stormwater management, and they’re not here to create and maintain recreational lakes and green spaces. That’s not their mission, or at least that’s not their primary function,” said Today in Ohio co-host Leila Atassi. While Atassi empathized with the district’s focus on flood control, co-host Lisa Garvin took a firmer stance in support of the project. “I think the people need to give it up. I grew up in Shaker Heights. I spent a lot of time around the Shaker Lakes. They need to give this up. I mean, like you said, there’s no political agenda, Leila, for the sewer district. They’re trying to mitigate flooding... they’re trying to head off a bad situation.” Not everyone, however, sees it as a zero-sum debate. Laura Johnston argued that compromise might still be possible, especially given how close the competing cost estimates are. “It’s not a huge difference in the amount of money. $55 million to rebuild the dam, removing it is $45 million. So I feel like there’s got to be some give here,” she said. “Maybe a nonprofit could help raise that money... It doesn’t seem that far apart. They all want what’s good for the environment. They just want it in different ways. I don’t feel like this has to be one way or the other and completely disappointing. I think they should be talking about negotiation.” The podcast underscored just how deeply the Shaker Lakes are tied to local identity. For generations, residents have valued them not only for recreation and beauty but as a symbol of community heritage. Some have proposed keeping a smaller water feature as a compromise rather than draining the lakes entirely. Still, the sewer district insists the plan is forward-looking, designed to prevent catastrophic flooding as climate change fuels more intense storms. The agency argues that restoring Doan Brook’s natural flow is the most sustainable long-term solution. Listen to the discussion here. Read more Today in Ohio news Ohio just cut off cancer screenings and birth control for thousands — all to punish Planned Parenthood Ohio Supreme Court revisits DeWine’s rejection of $900M in pandemic aid — but don’t expect a reversal Ohio’s war on nonprofit tax breaks is starting with... The Nature Conservancy?!
