Cleveland · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cleveland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
NORA Village HUD Grant Allocation
A $1 million federal HUD grant will fund the construction of four new townhome recovery housing units as part of phase two of the NORA Village project.
Industrial-Commercial Land Bank Parcel Transfers
Transferring vacant and publicly held parcels into the city's land bank helps avoid mounting property taxes while the city works with developers to bring sites like former schools and parking lots back into productive use.
County Jail Relocation and City Court Renovation Costs
The city is evaluating lease extensions with Cuyahoga County for the municipal court and police division spaces inside the Justice Center.
CDC Funding, Staffing, and Home Repair Backlogs
Council members and staff debated the effectiveness of Community Development Corporations (CDCs) and proposed moving toward a more collaborative proposal process and a potential funding swap.
Transit-oriented Development
A prime development spot right next to the Ohio City transit station is up for grabs again, meaning we could soon see fresh housing and shops pop up right by the train. It's a huge chance to build a more walkable neighborhood where catching public transit is a breeze.
Subsidized Housing and Living Conditions
Residents testified about unsafe living conditions, pest infestations, high lead levels, and tenant displacement following explosions and neglect by landlords, urging stricter code enforcement and tenant protections.
I-X Center Lease Extension and Payroll Credit Incentives
Cleveland is considering a major settlement with Brook Park to end decades of tax-sharing on the IX Center and surrounding land. The deal gives Cleveland all future tax revenues from the site in exchange for multi-million dollar payouts, clearing the way to attract modern industrial employers.
Shore-to-Core-to-Shore TIF and Federal Infrastructure Grant
Cleveland received a $1.15 million federal grant to hire technical advisors for major lakefront and riverfront development projects. Council members pressed officials on how these funds will be used, particularly regarding potential changes to the Shoreway and coordination with development corporations.
CMSD Land Swap for Schools, Fire Station, and Redevelopment
Council members debated a major land exchange with the school district that involves demolishing the J. Glenn Smith Health Center and two former schools, raising concerns about community disinvestment and replacement healthcare services.
East Side Investment, School Closures, and Healthcare Access
Public health officials outlined ongoing equity assessments, infant mortality reduction strategies, and preparations to assist residents navigating upcoming administrative changes and work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
Playhouse Square Parking Lot Lease and Development Option
The city is leasing a municipal parking lot at 1301-1325 Chester Avenue to Playhouse Square Foundation for 10 years, with an option to buy for $1.6 million. The deal aims to support the entertainment district's growth while securing steady revenue and future development potential.
Youth Center Development
Plans for a new youth drop-in center in Ohio City have been completely scrapped by local nonprofits. This means service providers are back to square one when it comes to finding ways to support vulnerable kids in the neighborhood.
East Side TIF District Establishment
The city is launching a major initiative in Hough and St. Clair-Superior to streamline zoning, waive permit fees, and invest in housing and infrastructure. Officials hope to combat high vacancy rates and encourage homeownership without displacing existing residents.
Regional Development Deal
Cleveland City Council just greenlit a major regional deal with Brook Park focused on the I-X Center, clearing the path for big new developments out that way. This agreement sets up future growth and collaboration between the city and suburbs.
Playhouse Square DORA Establishment
The city considered establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) for the Playhouse Square theater district to allow open containers during community events and arts festivals.
Zoning and Land Use Dispute
A court just blocked a proposed homeless youth center in Ohio City after neighborhood residents fought it. This ruling throws a wrench into local development plans and highlights ongoing clashes over land use.
Downtown Hotel Energy Efficiency PACE Project
A downtown hotel at 629 Euclid Avenue is using a special energy financing program to fund millions in green upgrades during its conversion to an AC by Marriott.
City Hiring Timelines and Departmental Delays
Council members questioned HR and Civil Service officials about why it takes months to hire city employees, pointing to departmental delays and complex civil service procedures as major bottlenecks.
Built Environment Collaborative and Built Strong Progress
Representatives from Greater Cleveland Works and the Greater Cleveland Partnership updated the committee on ARPA-funded workforce training initiatives and minority contractor capacity building.
Comprehensive Short-Term Rental Regulations
Residents called on the city to enact a moratorium on short-term rentals like Airbnb to protect long-term housing stock and neighborhood stability from outside investors.
Port Authority Prevailing Wage and Regional Focus
Council members raised concerns about the Port of Cleveland's communication with city council and its past decisions to eliminate prevailing wages on port-funded projects. Nominee Eddie Taylor was pressed on whether he would advocate for workers and city priorities like affordable housing.
Public Facilities Capital Improvements and City Building Renovations
The city is moving forward with millions in capital improvements, including renovating the historic 2001 Payne Avenue building into municipal offices to exit leased space at Erie View Plaza, upgrading fire stations, and enhancing safety equipment.
Westinghouse Redevelopment Project Financing and Energy District Inclusion
The vacant 1898 Westinghouse building at 1200 West 58th gets an $81 million redevelopment into 116 apartments plus commercial space. A 30-year non-school TIF and $15 million PACE financing make it work, with community benefits including speed tables, bike racks and $50,000 for the Herman Park Trail.
Vertical Farming and Vacant Property Redevelopment
A community advocate proposed utilizing vacant homes and lots for vertical farming initiatives to create jobs and generate revenue.
Demolition Program Cash Flow and Funding
The city needs to update how it accounts for state demolition grant reimbursements to keep tearing down abandoned properties. Because state reimbursements come in slowly after cities front the cash, officials need permission to recycle funds directly back into demolition work.
Redevelopment of Former McCafferty Health Center Site
The city is advancing a lease option with Pennrose Holdings to redevelop the soon-to-be-vacant health center property at 4242 Lorain Avenue into housing or community assets.
Affordable Housing Redevelopment at 4242 Lorain Avenue
The city is partnering with Pennrose Holdings and Ohio City Inc. to transform the soon-to-be-vacant McCafferty Health Center site into 62 to 72 units of mixed-use affordable housing.
Flats East Bank Boat Docking Program and Fees
Flats East Management received approval to charge boat docking fees along the East Bank boardwalk. The fees will fund a student-operated docking management program run in partnership with Davis Aerospace and Maritime High School students.