Delete WardMay 07, 2023
CLEVELAND -- When I was sworn in as Cleveland City Council president, I emphasized Council’s priority is to take care of the people of Cleveland. With nearly $512 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Council is uniquely positioned to bring catalytic change and address systemic issues impacting Clevelanders from Bellaire-Puritas to Collinwood; from Lee-Harvard to Kamm’s Corners, and all points between.
Council is committed to doing the greatest good for the greatest number with ARPA funding, and in all our work. Our Council is addressing quality-of-life issues, including neighborhoods with elderly people who can’t afford home repairs; single mothers in need of high-quality child care; students who need “Say Yes” wraparound services to create a pathway to higher education; and families who live without access to fresh and affordable food.
The West Side Market is a treasured landmark, with the potential to be an economic engine for Cleveland. It is in our best interest to make that happen. Located in Ward 3, the West Side Market is championed by my colleague, Majority Leader Kerry McCormack. You will not find a bigger supporter of the market than Councilman McCormack. We lean on his institutional knowledge of the West Side Market as the former community affairs director for Ohio City Inc. The West Side Market is an asset to Cleveland. I can confidently say the same for Old Brooklyn, Glenville, Clark-Fulton, and our other neighborhoods.
Council is not looking to make the funding as an “either-or” issue with the West Side Market and neighborhood needs. We know the West Side Market needs significant repairs and maintenance that can no longer be deferred. However, we also know the same is true of our neighborhoods. We intend to address both with the ARPA funding at our disposal.
Council has already heavily invested in the market. We dedicated $10 million over the last four years to our public market. We also supported the West Side Market being operated by a nonprofit because we were told an independent board could employ a better business model and raise money from philanthropic and corporate sources. We look forward to engaging with the nonprofit board to develop a long-term plan that includes a breakdown of government and private support to keep the market viable. Council needs more than a request for funding, Council needs a business plan.
Council will continue investing in and supporting the West Side Market. Over the past few weeks, there were reports the mayor plans to introduce legislation asking for $15 million more for the market. Our legislative process includes discussions in our committees, and an administrative review from the city’s Law Department before we approve legislation. During this exchange, Council and the Mayor frequently make compromises before settling on any expenditure, let alone one of this magnitude.
We are open to ideas and the opportunity to negotiate. Council has a fiduciary responsibility to the citizens of Cleveland to act responsibly and in the best interests of the city. We have 17 educated, experienced, dedicated leaders who each work diligently on behalf of this great city, while also serving as distinct voices for their neighborhoods. We host robust conversations to review proposals, share feedback, and fine-tune proposals to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of Clevelanders.
We will address the critical needs of our public market. I have stayed in contact with many vendors and board members, and I understand and share their concerns.
This Council is making tough decisions to address many of the challenges facing Clevelanders. As we make these investments, Council invites those who have an interest to tour our neighborhoods and view firsthand the needs of all our communities. In doing so, you’ll learn why we believe difficult conversations are critical and necessary for a better Cleveland that serves every neighborhood.