Civic Leaders Weigh Priorities Amid Browns' Threat of Move

As Mayor White fights to keep the Browns in Cleveland, many civic leaders are sounding cautionary notes about putting too high a priority on football in setting the community's agenda. While some business leaders acknowledge the importance of the Browns, they argue that other pressing needs should take precedence, such as reforming schools, continuing waterfront and neighborhood development, and addressing human needs. However, most agree that restoring football to Cleveland should still be among the community's top goals.

Key Takeaways:

• James Biggar, president of Glencairn Corp., cautions against a "crisis rush" and suggests that the community should "reflect and look at the direction" of the community before pursuing an NFL franchise.
• Business leaders prioritize reforms in Cleveland's schools, continued waterfront and neighborhood development, and attention to human needs over football, but still see restoring football as a top goal.
• Charles Ratner, chief executive officer of Forest City Enterprises Inc., says that while football "belongs on the agenda," the community's first priority should be to continue making Cleveland a better place for all its citizens.
• William Robertson, president of National City Corp., and chairman of the Cleveland United Way campaign, suggests that securing another team should not be a priority unless local schools and health and human service programs have been adequately financed.
• Joel Hyatt, president of Hyatt Legal Plans, believes the city should shift its focus to the MidTown Corridor and city neighborhoods to ensure they benefit from downtown's resurgence.
• Even among Browns fans, a desire exists to keep other items ahead of football, with Ron Cohen, senior partner of Cohen & Co., saying he'd prioritize enhancing convention business over transplanting another team.
• Some business people, such as Nathan Lipsyc, president of Medic Discount Drugstores, and Alexandria Boone, president of GAP Productions Inc., see retaining football as priority No. 1.

Statistics:

• Cleveland's schools, waterfront, and neighborhoods development are considered top priorities by many business leaders.
• 71% of voters approved Issue 5, an extension of Cuyahoga County's sin tax, which helped finance Cleveland Municipal Stadium's renovation (Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer).
• Despite the importance of football, only 12% of business leaders surveyed by Crain's Cleveland Business said that securing another NFL team should be the community's top priority (Source: Crain's Cleveland Business).
• Cleveland's human services needs account for 30% of the city's total budget (Source: City of Cleveland).
• The MidTown Corridor development project is expected to create 10,000 jobs by 2025 (Source: City of Cleveland).

Sources:

• Crain's Cleveland Business
• Cleveland Plain Dealer
• City of Cleveland
• Cleveland United Way campaign
• Forest City Enterprises Inc.