July 7, 2025
When out walking in Ward 1, it’s been useful to have different sources for maps. One is the topographical map from the US Geological Survey (USGS) that shows streets, hills and contours of the land, and gives an idea of where the surface water comes from and where it’s likely to go. Ward 1 straddles a plateau where the WNCX radio tower is located on Ridge Rd, and slopes down the ridge to a shallow valley to the west. According to the USGS, two named creeks drain these areas, Big Creek and Baldwin Creek.
Another good source is the Cuyahoga County fiscal officer site, being able to look up an address and see the current owner, number of transfers, and what the parcel number is for the property. The fiscal officer appears to use overhead satellite images in late winter when it’s easier to see the contours of the land and what’s underneath the trees.
Walking the Ward along places like State Road, Ridge Road, Bunker Road, Albion Road or Tilby Road, the maps help understand what’s been built, when, and how it can affect the land and the water runoff. It’s also helpful to appreciate the property owners of large, undeveloped tracts like the one on Abbey Road, as the trees and natural landscape help preserve the rural feel of North Royalton while reducing rapid runoff when it rains.
When reading any proposed ordinance change, request for variance, zoning changes that affect property, City Council uses the parcel number designation (example, 482-04-015) so there is no mistake about which property is under consideration.
These tools are free and open to the public, and useful for understanding how Ward 1 is susceptible to flooding, and how development uphill and upstream affects properties and residents downhill and downstream. A resident doesn’t have to be a hydrology expert to see how past development can affect future property ownership and maintenance.
Take a look and keep these tools in mind when City Council posts meetings agendas or minutes, and please contact me if you have any questions.
US Geological Survey:
https://www.usgs.gov/products/maps
Cuyahoga County Online Property Search:
https://myplace.cuyahogacounty.us/
North Royalton City Council meeting agendas and minutes:
https://northroyalton.org/government/council_office/agendas_minutes.php
