GCP chief insists Browns' Brook Park stadium will move forward
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Baiju Shah, right, speaks to Axios' Sam Allard at an event Tuesday. Photo: Kristin Mackler on behalf of Axios
Greater Cleveland Partnership CEO Baiju Shah says the Browns' Brook Park stadium is "absolutely happening," despite a permit denial from state transportation officials.
State of play: Shah's comments come weeks after ODOT's Office of Aviation notified the Browns that their construction permit for the proposed facility had been denied due to potential obstruction of air navigation.
- ODOT did not immediately respond to an Axios request for comment, but Shah's remarks suggest the team and its backers plan to push ahead in Brook Park, permit or not.
💬 Quote du jour: "Do not pay attention to all the media-tainment, as it's sometimes called," Shah told Axios at an event Tuesday evening.
- "It is going to happen. We are going to move forward."
The latest: The city of Brook Park last week voted to rezone the 176-acre industrial site for mixed-use development, paving the way for the stadium construction even as the airspace controversy swirls.
Flashback: In May, GCP endorsed the Browns' move to Brook Park, a move seen by many as predictable, as Browns owner Dee Haslam sits on the organization's board.
- The decision sparked a firestorm of disapproval from local elected officials and downtown stakeholders.
- Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne publicly severed ties with GCP in the aftermath.
What they're saying: According to Bibb, the situation has not improved behind the scenes.
- "There is no relationship," Bibb told Axios during an interview Tuesday when asked about the city's status with GCP.
Zoom out: "One of the things I'm focused on as we contemplate a second term is, What does a new civic table look like for the city of Cleveland and our economic agenda?" he said.
- "I want to make sure that our plans are supported by stakeholders in the city who have a Cleveland-first mentality."
The other side: Shah said that GCP will continue to work with the city and the county toward mutual objectives — making the region more prosperous.
- "We'll embrace them as much as they want to be embraced."