A Cleveland district that once had nearly 100,000 residents in the 1960s now has fewer than 20,000, leaving large areas with open green space that can resemble the countryside. The city is now trying to reverse that decline through a new Housing Innovation District and plans to support the construction of 200 new homes.The effort received a boost after Ohio announced $14 million in grants for workforce housing across 10 counties, local media NEOtrans reported. Cleveland is set to receive $2 million, which will support the creation of the 200 housing units on the city’s near-East Side.The Housing Innovation District covers significant parts of the Central, Hough and St Clair-Superior neighbourhoods. The area has seen major population loss over the decades, leaving vacant land and large stretches of greenery between existing buildings.The new housing investment is linked to wider plans to bring jobs, infrastructure and development to the near-East Side. Cleveland City Council authorised the Housing Innovation District in August and approved a tax increment financing, or TIF, mechanism to support public improvements in the area.
From a crowded area to an urban prairie
The scale of the population change is visible across parts of Cleveland’s East Side. The area had nearly 100,000 residents in the 1960s but now has fewer than 20,000.That decline has changed the physical appearance of some neighbourhoods. Areas that were once more densely occupied now include vacant plots and large stretches of open land. Parts of the East Side look rural, with the loss of population creating what it called an “urban prairie”.The Housing Innovation District is intended to respond to housing demand created by investments involving Amazon Services, LLC and the City of Cleveland.Nearby, the Cleveland Midline Priority Investment Area involves 350 acres of land being assembled, cleaned and marketed for commercial redevelopment.
TIF could generate up to $182 million
The $2 million state grant is only one part of the planned investment. Cleveland’s TIF mechanism is expected to generate between $64 million and $182 million over 30 years. That money is intended to support public improvements, including streets, sewers and parks.Mayor Justin Bibb welcomed the state funding and said it would add to other efforts already under way in the city, including the Midline Priority Investment Area.“This funding is a sign that our Housing Innovation District is much more than just an idea. It’s a real, tangible solution towards homeownership, entrepreneurship, modern housing, and neighborhood stability,” Bibb said. He also thanked Governor Mike DeWine and his administration for investing in the work.
Ohio expands workforce housing support
The Cleveland award came from the second round of Ohio’s Residential Economic Development District, or REDD, programme. The programme is providing up to $15 million in grants during the fiscal year to help communities expand housing opportunities near major economic development projects.The Ohio Department of Development received 32 eligible applications during this funding round. Together, those applications requested nearly $69 million.Cleveland was among the communities receiving one of the larger awards. Cincinnati, Piketon and Toledo also received $2 million each. Bowling Green, Columbus, Heath, Niles, Oberlin and Xenia received $1 million each.Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said housing needs to be available near new employment opportunities. “As we continue bringing new jobs and new opportunities to our great state, we need to make sure the people filling those jobs can find a home nearby,” DeWine said in a written statement.He added that the awards would help communities support new growth and give more Ohio residents opportunities to live and work in those areas.Lt Governor Jim Tressel said new businesses can create opportunities, but communities also need infrastructure to benefit from that growth. “We all know that new businesses can bring tremendous opportunities, but our communities ultimately need the right foundation to make the most of it,” Tressel said.He said the investments would help local partners prepare for future growth by supporting housing and infrastructure needed by the workforce.
Housing linked to jobs and infrastructure
The REDD programme was signed into law by DeWine last year. Local governments within 20 miles of a major economic development project could apply for funding.The grants can be used for housing-related infrastructure, public safety and community services, or capital support for new housing development.Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik said communities of different sizes have a role in the state’s growth.“Every community has an important role to play in Ohio’s continued growth. Whether it’s in one of our largest cities or smaller towns, we want all Ohioans to be able to find a good job, a great place to live, and a community they’re proud to call home,” she said..
