Cleveland · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cleveland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.