Development concepts show golf course, marina, restaurants at Burke
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Two development concepts at Burke Lakefront Airport are now circulating to help residents envision what might be possible on the land.
Why it matters: The 450-acre site has long been one of Cleveland's biggest and most tantalizing question marks. Mayor Justin Bibb supports the airport's closure and wants to demonstrate that alternative land uses are not just popular with residents, but potentially lucrative.
Driving the news: The city and the North Coast Waterfront Development Corp. released a new economic impact study last week with two scenarios built around "recreation-focused, low-density" development.
Zoom in: The plans include a lakefront promenade with restaurants and a marina, youth sports fields, an indoor athletic complex, hotels, RV camping and trails.
- The big difference between the two is that one includes nearly 200 acres of parkland, with a central "great lawn," while the other includes an 18-hole public golf course that could also be used for winter sports and recreation.
Reality check: At a press conference, lakefront leaders stressed these scenarios are conceptual — they aren't plans — and designed mostly to help residents imagine the future.
By the numbers: It's a future that Clevelanders are eager to see. Anecdotal opposition to Burke has now been reinforced with survey data.
- As of last week, nearly 90% of respondents to questions about Burke plans said they'd support creating a "more accessible" lakefront, i.e., one without an airport on it.
Yes, but: Bibb believes redevelopment could provide a significant economic windfall for Cleveland, too.
- Per the study, transforming the site could generate thousands of construction jobs and over $600 million in one-time economic impact, and then more than $2.5 million in annual tax revenue.
- Burke loses about $1 million annually, and Bibb and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne have been lobbying federal officials to allow its closure.
The other side: A group known as the Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership (LAPP) held an open house last week, arguing that Burke is essential for aviation training and regional air traffic control.
- The group also leaned on the nostalgia of the Cleveland National Air Show, held annually at Burke.
What's next: Two upcoming City Council hearings in April are expected to discuss the economic impact study and redevelopment concepts.