Westlake Schools, City Strike Land Swap Deal

WESTLAKE, OH - Following an appraisal of the Westlake City School District, the city and the school system have agreed to a joint land exchange and infrastructure improvement deal. As part of the deal, the school system will assume control of the 29.4 city-owned acres on Center Ridge Road next to the Porter Public Library. The school system will use the land to build a PK-4 elementary building.

In exchange for the site of the future PK-4 building, the city will receive 42 acres of school-owned property on Bradley Road, as well as the former administration building on Dover Center Road and Hilliard Boulevard. The city is also receiving the deed to the school system's Parkside property, which currently houses administrative office and the Board of Education. The district will rent that property for $1 per year, with a buyback option over the next 10 years.

The gymnasium, sports fields, and auditorium at the Parkside property will be used by the city and the school district will maintain the ground during the lease.

As part of the deal, the city has agreed to fund $1 million in improvements along Center Ridge Road. Those improvement projects will include traffic signal work and turning lanes work to accommodate increased traffic flow. The city is also reducing permit fees for the new elementary project.

“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.

Goggin said the agreement means the school district will maintain its high school campus on Hilliard Boulevard, the Dover campus on Dover Center Road, and the four elementary sites, while adding the Center Ridge Road elementary campus. In addition, the district retains the opportunity to reintroduce the Parkside property back into its portfolio.

“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.

Westlake City Council is expected to vote on the proposed deal at its March 16 meeting. The Westlake Board of Education will meet to vote on the same deal shortly after that. Construction is scheduled to begin in August, with a projected building opening for the 2019-2020 school year.

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