Ohio Senate's $700M spending bill includes $20M allocation for proposed Cleveland land bridge
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Matt Dolan, also features millions for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's renovation and the modernization of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Ohio Senate has introduced its version of a $700 million spending bill, which includes a $20M allocation for the proposed land bridge in downtown Cleveland. The bill also includes funds for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's renovation and the modernization of the Pro Football Hall of Hall of F. The funds are used from the One Time Strategic Community Investments Fund (OTSCIF), which was set aside in the state's operating budget. Dolan's bill uses these funds to return taxpayers' money to community projects throughout the state. The land bridge is part of the North Coast Master Plan, which is still being finalised.
Опубликовано : 3 недели назад от Dave DeNatale в Politics
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Matt Dolan, also features millions for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's renovation and the modernization of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Months after the Ohio House passed legislation appropriating funds for major projects around the state, the Ohio Senate introduced its version of the $700 million bill earlier this week. Once again, the proposal includes a large allocation for the proposed land bridge in downtown Cleveland.
Senate Bill 288, sponsored by Sen. Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls), again utilizes the One Time Strategic Community Investments Fund (OTSCIF) that was set aside in the state's operating budget. Each chamber of the Ohio General Assembly worked on $350 million in projects for the fund.
"Our purpose with these one-time funds is to return taxpayers their money through community projects throughout the state which enhance our quality of life," said Dolan in a statement. "These projects are in addition to the $3.1 billion in tax cuts passed in our last operating budget."
As was the case with the House's spending bill (HB2), Dolan's bill allocates $20 million for the North Coast Connector, the land bridge which serves as the centerpiece of the proposed North Coast Master Plan, which is still being finalized.
The idea of a land bridge in downtown Cleveland started to pick up steam in 2021, when the Haslam Sports Group, which owns the Browns, first unveiled plans for a park-like land bridge over State Route 2 and the railroad tracks. The proposal called for a combination of private and public money to help pay for its funding, which was estimated to cost $230 million.
Last year, the city of Cleveland allocated $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for design and a feasibility study of the "North Coast Connector." Also in 2023, it appeared that the state of Ohio was set to make a major investment into the proposed land bridge when the Ohio House allocated $62 million for the project in its 2024-25 budget proposal. However, the Ohio Senate countered with a different budget plan which eliminated the land bridge allocation.
According to Lisa Switkin, senior principal at New York-based James Corner Field Operations, pedestrians can have a "dynamic experience" on the land bridge. On their walk from the Mall to Lake Erie, they may be able to utilize a "multi-model transportation hub" to Amtrak and the RTA, take the connector to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Great Lakes Science Center, head left to Cleveland Browns Stadium for a football game or concert event, then finish out with a gentle slope down to the lake.
Straight down from the bridge is what Switkin referred to as a "central community plaza," including an amphitheater similar to the Solstice Steps at Lakewood Park. It leads to a waterplay area that includes a beach, kayak launch, wetlands, and series of porches.
To the east, planners envision a family-friendly area that features a large nature playground, sport courts, and cookout area. On the west side, there would be space for residential and commercial development, along with a garden walk area and fishing pier.
Amid uncertainty about the future of the Cleveland Browns playing their games on the lakefront, the final version of the North Coast Master Plan has not yet been released.
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