Shaker Heights council shuts off ‘Friday Night Lights’ proposal at University School
By Thomas Jewell
Published on April 14, 2026.
Shaker Heights, Ohio, City Council turned down a proposal for night football in a new lower campus stadium at University School on April 13. The proposal was opposed by U.S. director of development Ben Malbasa, who argued that the school's goals remain simple in serving boys and building community between two campuses. The council also enacted permanent zoning code amendments that restrict "institutional" uses in residential neighborhoods. While residents and city officials described this move as "striking a balance" between different interests, U.N. officials opposed it as "spot" zoning. The amendments require a conditional use permit from the City Planning Commission for "school outdoor recreational facilities" and require submission of a safety and security plan for future requests from schools.
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