There were so many people at the Cleveland Heights City Council meeting Monday night to oppose plans from First Interstate Properties, Ltd., for the Oakwood Country Club land that some stood in the hallway or sat on the floor.

The commercial development company based in Lyndhurst has bought the South Euclid portion of the property, and if it does purchase the 92 acres in Cleveland Heights, it plans to convert the space into a mall with national retailers, residential properties and devote 69 acres to parkland.

Mitchell Schneider, president of First Interstate Properties, said the company is still early in the process with Cleveland Heights, and plans on scheduling formal meetings with the city soon. The goal is to purchase the Cleveland Heights side by the end of April, and begin construction this summer, according to a press release from the company.

Residents who spoke at the council meeting were outraged about the developer's plans. More than a dozen people approached the lectern to address council, most suggesting that the land be completely preserved for a park.

"I'm so concerned about the idea of having more big-box stores and more retail where Oakwood is now," said Lisa Rainsong. "If we can do something with Oakwood such as a park, that would help establish once again that this is really a different community,  there's something special about Cleveland Heights that differentiates us from other communities where development is going to happen."

Others hoped the space would include a dog park and local businesses instead of national chains.

"First of all, we have a new director of economic development (Howard Thompson.) He is dynamic, energized … this is a prime opportunity to develop some local businesses," said Marcie Denton. 

The crowd, of what some estimated to be about 50 - 75 people, erupted from time to time, cheering and clapping in support of comments. 

The land is currently zoned for residential property, and it would have to be rezoned to implement First Interstate's plans. Rezoning is a long process that would include public meetings, said Law Director John Gibbon, as he explained the various steps. 

Gibbon said people were free to address council that night and at any other time about Oakwood, he said without the proposal and specifics about the developer's plans, council members could not comment.

Mayor Ed Kelley thanked residents for their comments, and reiterated Gibbon's statements. 

"This is just the beginning of what will be a very, very, very long process."

After hearing from residents for a little more than an hour and asking if there was anyone else who wanted to speak, the council meeting continued. As people got up to leave, someone shouted, "Good job, everyone," and the crowd could be heard outside of the meeting room doors for about 20 minutes.