Economic Development

Incentivizing economic development is greater than just luring businesses to open in Cleveland Heights (although that certainly is part of economic development). Economic development requires a multifaceted strategy that strengthens all 11 business districts, enhances our parks and recreation facilities, supports small businesses, and invests in our creative and cultural economy.

City Council should:

• Ensure the budget allocates money for maintenance of our business districts, including parking garages, parking lots, sidewalks, street lighting, and safety measures such as evening “beat cops” where requested and call boxes.

• Investigate and present potential commercial vacant property fine legislation.

• Review zoning ordinances to determine whether there are barriers to development in business districts.

• Investigate legislative solutions to address Namdar Realty Groups’ failing ownership of Severance Town Center.

• Investigate alternative funding sources for creative, placemaking, and cultural opportunities, such as the Storybook Trails grants from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.