Transforming the waterfront

Transforming the waterfront

(Lorain) Morning Journal: Leave it to the Cleveland Browns to recognize the importance and potential for development of downtown Cleveland’s lakefront.

For more than six decades, devoted fans have watched Browns games on the shores of Lake Erie, first in the vast Cleveland Municipal Stadium and then at the new Cleveland Browns Stadium constructed in the late 1990s. Unfortunately, the lakefront area around the old and new stadiums has for too long been an expanse of emptiness.

If the Browns and city officials have their way, the area around the football stadium will be transformed into a diverse waterfront neighborhood with new retail, recreational and entertainment venues. Browns president Mike Holmgren has announced that the organization is joining with the city of Cleveland, the Greater Cleveland Partnership and others to develop “The Lakefront District.”

Playing an off-field role

The Browns want to play an active role in bringing private investment to Cleveland’s waterfront, including convincing the Cleveland Clinic to build a sports medicine or community wellness facility adjacent to the stadium.

The Browns should be commended for stepping up to take a proactive role in enhancing Cleveland’s lakefront potential.

Helping to transform the area around the stadium into a viable commercial, medical and entertainment district will not only be important to Cleveland, but the entire Northeast Ohio region, as well.