Lee Road Development Takes Step Forward In Cleveland Heights

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Development at the Meadowbrook-Lee site, currently owned by the city, took a step forward this week. Cleveland Heights City Council passed legislation authorizing City Manager Tanisha Briley to negotiate a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Cedar Lee Connection for the development of the property.

Cedar Lee Connection proposed a mixed-used development for the site. The company's vision includes a ground floor of retail units, with residential space on upper floors.

"Creating a dense, vibrant, pedestrian friendly and unique mixed-use project is a key city development goal for this important site. We believe Cedar Lee Connection can deliver such a project along this vibrant corridor adding residents and visitors alike," said Cleveland Heights' Economic Development Director Tim Boland.

In a related move, the council also passed legislation creating a city-side Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) program. Under that legislation, residential property would now be eligible for tax abatement incentives for new and remodeling construction.

"The ability to provide incentives for new investment through a City-wide CRA is an important strategy for the Cleveland Heights to pursue. We anticipate this will help to retain current residents, attract new ones, and emphasize that the City is 'open for business'," Boland said.

Incentives will be based on the strength of the housing market, the city said.

Commercial projects will also be able to receive tax abatements, if they meet certain criteria. Each commercial project would need to be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

The CRA must be approved by the Ohio Development Services Agency before taking effect. "The CRA incentives are designed to help and maintain the beauty and vibrancy of all our neighborhoods," said City Manager Tanisha Briley.

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