Nov. 15 – Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee, Cleveland City Council
Covered by Documenters Sarah Tan and Keith Yurgionas

James DeRosa, director of the Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects, discusses housing developments (Credit: Cleveland City Council YouTube / Org: Cleveland City Council).
James DeRosa, director of the Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects, discusses housing developments. Credit: Cleveland City Council YouTube

What happened: The committee advanced legislation that would allow the city to vacate a street — a process called a street vacation — for a supportive housing project in Ward 10 to be built by CHN Housing Partners. The project would include social supports for residents. James DeRosa, director of the Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects, said the project would serve 18- to 24-year-olds who are transitioning out of homelessness. “That’s one of the highest populations that’s in our homeless shelters currently,” he said.

Sports Commission Grant: 
The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is asking the city for a $250,000 grant to cover general operating costs through June 2023. The committee advanced the legislation. Commission executives Rachel Stentz-Baugher and Mike Mulhall presented information on the economic impact of events the group brought to the city, which they estimated at $866 million since 2000. They also noted that 165 kids participated in Youth Education through Sports at city rec centers in 2022. Ward 14 Council Member Jasmin Santana asked for information on that program to be shared with council. She said rec centers don’t reach all residents.

Left wondering: 
Documenter Sarah Tan asked, “Why are 18- to 24-year-olds one of the largest populations in Cleveland’s homeless shelters? What other services and housing solutions are being developed to support this demographic?”

Read Documenter Keith Yurgionas‘ live Tweet from the meeting:

Need rental assistance or know someone who does? Check out CHN Housing Partner’s COVID-19 Rental Assistance application..

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