Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee - September 15, 2026

The Cleveland City Council's Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee met on September 15, 2026, to review and approve ordinance number 456-2026. The ordinance authorizes the Director of Community Development to lease property at 1301 to 1325 Chester Avenue to the Playhouse Square Foundation for up to 10 years, with an option for the Foundation to purchase the property at a fair market value of $1.6 million. The lease agreement includes an annual payment of $25,000 plus property taxes, and the Foundation is responsible for maintenance, security, and upkeep of the parking lot. The committee discussed the strategic intent to maintain the site as a parking lot in the short term while allowing for potential future development. The lease and purchase terms were noted to provide a financial benefit to the city, including a total potential revenue of approximately $1.85 million over 10 years. The ordinance was approved without objection, with emphasis on ensuring community benefits and alignment with broader downtown development goals.