Westlake City-Schools Land Swap Official

WESTLAKE, OH - A land swap deal between the Westlake City School District and the City of Westlake has been made official.

Westlake Schools new PK-4 building will be located on Center Ridge Road thanks to a land and infrastructure exchange deal that was approved during the district's Board of Education meeting on April 10. Westlake City Council approved the deal with the school district in March via unanimous vote.

Under the agreement, Westlake Schools will take ownership of 29.4 city-owned acres on Center Ridge Road, just west of the Westlake Porter Public Library. The acreage will house the new PK-4 elementary school building.

The city takes ownership of 42 acres of district-owned property on Bradley Road, as well as the former administration building at the corner of Dover Center Road and Hilliard Boulevard. The city is also receiving the district's deed on its Parkside property, which currently houses administrative offices and the Board of Education. The district will rent the property from the city for $1 per year, with a buyback option over the next 10 years.

“The mayor and City Council have been open and engaged in this process. In addition to properties being exchanged, this agreement contains beneficial considerations for the school district in the form of road upgrades, a traffic signal and a reduction of permit fees,” said Superintendent Scott Goggin, who praised the city for being “good partners" in an emailed statement.

The city will use the Parkside property for its gymnasium, sports fields, and auditorium. The district will continue to maintain the grounds.

The city has also promised $1 million in improvements along Center Ridge Road, including a new traffic signal. The district says there has been increased traffic along that corridor requiring new mechanisms for controlling vehicle flow.

The district said in a statement that, "The new elementary school will replace the district’s four buildings – Bassett, Dover, Hilliard and Holly Lane elementary schools, which will be demolished. To maintain the small school feel important to elementary parents, the new building will group students by grade levels in separate wings."

“This agreement will provide the City of Westlake flexibility for future planning and projects as it relates to recreational and senior needs,” said Mayor Dennis Clough in a statement. He also maintained that this deal will not only address current school needs but will assure a brighter future for the entire community.

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