"Working collectively today to build a better tomorrow."
Friends of The Village of Miles Heights Inc.
Founded in 2022, a 501c3 public charity proudly serving and specifically advocating on behalf of residents in the historic neighborhood known for more than a century as "The Village".
Miles Heights Development Corporation
A 501c3 public charity formed to restore, strengthen and preserve the economic interests and historic integrity of Cleveland's Lee-Seville neighborhood, formerly known as Miles Heights Village.
Lee - Seville - Miles Citizens Council
The oldest active community block club organization in Cleveland, a 501c3 public charity working collaboratively to advocate for the interests of all residents of The Lee-Seville neighborhood.
Who We Are
The Miles Heights Development Corporation (MHDC) is the community service organization responsible for promoting, developing and preserving the Lee-Seville neighborhood in Cleveland's Ward 1.
Through partnerships with residents, businesses, and public stakeholders, MHDC works to preserve the character of this historic neighborhood while paving the way for a thriving, sustainable future. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Lee-Seville, one project, one family, and one business at a time. Click here to learn more about us.
"The Lee-Seville neighborhood, once the independent village of Miles Heights, holds a rich history of Black leadership and community resilience. In 1929, it became home to Miles Heights first Black mayor, Arthur R. Johnston, whose legacy is now being honored through the restoration of his former home as a community space. The area also features the Myrtle-Highview Historic District, a testament to Black homeownership, developed by African American contractor Arthur Bussey. His efforts provided quality housing and strengthened economic mobility for Black families."
"Miles Heights Development Corporation has recently acquired Johnston’s former home with plans to restore it as a community gathering space. This restoration effort aims to honor the neighborhood’s legacy while fostering connections among residents. By preserving its history, the initiative seeks to inspire future generations and reinforce the area’s cultural significance. More information on how to support the restoration of the Arthur R. Johnston house can be found on the Miles Heights Development Corporation website."
How We Achieve Our Objectives
MHDC is a collective of diverse stakeholders from different sectors within the community. Our primary goal is to address the specific challenges and aspirations of the residents we serve. Community feedback guides our eight core focus areas: comprehensive neighborhood planning, economic development, land revitalization, safety, senior home maintenance repair, neighborhood marketing, capacity building, and financial empowerment.
Community Engagement
Collaborates with residents, other organizations, businesses, and government agencies to amplify the community's voice and advocate for shared goals.
Community Building
Actively represents community interests and needs to policymakers & stakeholders, for project support, economic development, affordable housing, and social enrichment.
Community Mobilization
Engages residents through meetings, workshops, and grassroots organizing to build support for advocacy efforts and raise public awareness about critical issues.
Juneteenth Paddle '25
June 19, 2025
Check-in 9:30a Paddle 10a-12p Cookout 12p-1p
Location: Great Lakes Water Sports 1148 Main Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
Questions: Call 216-282-7448
Come make history with us as we fill every kayak and tiki boat possible to celebrate Juneteenth together on the Cuyahoga River. After the paddle we'll meet back up on land for a delicious cookout catered by Cleveland's own Taste-ify Catering!
Dress comfortably in clothes/shoes that can get wet and dry fast... and NO you will NOT fall in the river, but may get slightly wet by your paddle.
First 50 to register receive a Syatt Juneteenth trucker hat! Register today to secure your hat!
Extras....This paddle will be guided with our partners from Great Lakes Watersports
Age? 12+ (solo)/experienced kayaker. Tandem kayaks available for younger kids (ages 6-11) or those who’d prefer to paddle with a partner.
Never-ever? This event is perfect for first-timers—flat/gentle water kayaking is easy to learn and fun!
Waivers? Sent separately
Impact Of Art Survey
Southeast Side neighborhoods of Mt. Pleasant, Union-Miles, Lee-Seville, Lee-Harvard and Buckeye/Woodland, lack accessible, dedicated spaces for cultural offerings and creativity, beyond murals or public art. Research suggests high physical and mental health disparities in these communities, including Black Maternal Health. Neither The Southeast Side Promise, Middle Neighborhoods Initiative, nor Elevate the East project seems to address these needs, which are necessary for thriving communities.
If you were unable to participate in any of the sessions and are a resident of Mt. Pleasant, Union-Miles, Lee-Seville, Lee-Harvard, Buckeye or Woodland neighborhoods, you still have an opportunity to have your voice heard. Click the link below to take the 5-minute, anonymous survey, independently produced for community feedback.
"Art is a necessity, not a luxury, and essential to creating thriving communities!"
Click here to take "The Impact of Art: Beyond Murals" survey. WE NEED YOUR VOICE! Thank you!
Veronica Thornton, Lead Consultant
"Here we go again, one mo' time!!!"
Lee-Seville-Miles Citizens Council
Join us on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, for some of those "Good Old Miles Heights" vibes with our friends and neighbors who made the neighborhood what it was, what it is and paved the way for where we're heading. Good food, great times at Gleneagles Golf Club! See you there!
Next council meeting: 6/23/25 @ 6:30pm
SYATT Cleveland and JFK Students Clean-Up
4/22/25 - What an amazing day for a clean up! Shout out to our partners at @trustforpublicland CLE and the amazing students from JFK! @mayorbibb we definitely added to your Southeast Side Promise by cleaning a major tributary to our great river and lake. We shared with the students the great legacy of the southeast side of Cleveland and with partners like @milesheightsdevcorp we will keep that history alive! Also, @canalwaypartners we were ahead of the big river sweep day, but locked in on the mission regardless!
Website: www.syattcle.org
Follow on Instagram: @syatt_cle
Honoring the rich heritage of Miles Heights Village
Big shout out to Rob Powers and The Newschannel 5 team for coming out to share a bit of history... and a bit of OUR STORY. We greatly appreciate you taking the time. This is Cleveland!
Friends of The Village
Thanks You!!!
In the spirit of the holiday season, Friends of The Village, Special Deeds and A Ray of Sunshine Ent. invited southeast side residents to come together to celebrate one another in love, peace and unity.
Miles Heights Village Halloween Night Out
Check out the video to see our community in action, complete with costumes, food and family friendly entertainment at our annual Village Trunk-Or-Treat Celebration!
Community Development Corporation Leadership Program: Cohort IV
In Loving Memory of our own, Kevin Lowery, a Village Original
Proud Voting Member of the Ohio CDC Association since 2024
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