Cleveland Heights Mayor Jim Petras has imposed a city hiring freeze due to the largest unbudgeted expense this year, $1.5 million for the Park Synagogue project. The city approved the incentive package last October, including a $750,000 grant for public access amenities at the historic property. Another $750K goes towards a 30-year commercial development loan for renovations of the building designed by architect Eric Mendelsohn. The expenditures were approved through special session March 26 from the city's unencumbered General Fund balance, listed at $16.2 million in January. Despite this delay, finance director Joe Brodzinski assured council Vice President Gail Larson that the city’s financial situation is in progress.