CLEVELAND — Lawmakers in the Ohio General Assembly passed a $4.2 billion capital budget on Wednesday, which includes a $20 million allocation for the proposed North Coast Connector land bridge in Cleveland.
The legislation now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine's desk for his signature.
The allocation for the proposed connector was part of the One Time Strategic Community Investments Fund (OTSCIF) that was included as part of the state's overall spending package, House Bill 2 (HB2).
The land bridge is the centerpiece of the proposed North Coast Master Plan, which is still being finalized by planners.
“The North Coast Connector is a game-changer for Cleveland and will have a lasting impact on our city’s economic growth and development,” Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said. “This land bridge will not only enhance connectivity between downtown and the lakefront but also create new opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors alike. We are incredibly grateful for the support and dedication of our state partners who championed this project, as well as the residents, business and civic leaders who advocated tirelessly for its realization.”
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.
Planners provided a vision of what the land bridge could look like last October, during its "60% presentation" of the North Coast Master Plan.
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.
In the city's release after the passage of the capital budget on Wednesday, officials laid out a vision for the future of the lakefront that doesn't include the Browns.
"The North Coast Connector creates a direct connection between the Cleveland Convention Center and future hotel and entertainment development on the lakefront, opens up over 20 acres of underutilized surface parking for future economic development that will benefit Clevelanders, provides Great Lakes cruise tourists with immediate access to downtown, and helps the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center to continue to attract more visitors."
Previous Reporting:
- $700M spending bill introduced by Ohio Senate includes $20M for proposed Cleveland land bridge
- Council approves additional funding for Cleveland North Coast Master Plan consultant amid cost overrun
- Proposed downtown Cleveland land bridge update: Ohio House passes bill which would allocate $20M to project
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