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.
Other notable allocations in Senate Bill 288 include:
- Hall of Fame Village in Canton - $9,763,126
- Bedrock Riverfront Development - $8,000,000
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum Expansion and Renovation Project - $7,000,000
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Modernization - $7,000,000
- Flats River Development - $3,500,000
- West Side Market in Cleveland - $2,400,000
- Irishtown Bend Park - $2,000,000
- Cleveland women's soccer stadium - $1,000,000
You can see the complete list below:
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.
Previous Reporting:
- Council approves additional funding for Cleveland North Coast Master Plan consultant amid cost overrun
- Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam say stadium options are $1B renovation or new $2B dome outside city
- Proposed downtown Cleveland land bridge update: Ohio House passes bill which would allocate $20M to project
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