Rebuilding Cleveland: A Regional Undertaking / Thomas Bier / Sweet ch 5 Abstract Cleveland has gone through a cycle of growth and decline in its first 200 years. The next 100 years could be an era of rebuilding, if the region works together

[Introduction] I.“World cities” typically go through cycles of building and decline, often lasting for hundreds of years

One: Building and Abandonment I.Cleveland’s building era: II.Abandonment followed building A.Suburbanization B.Wealthy people felt forced out C.They created new political jurisdictions they could control D.[others also argue they created institutions to maintain their control over the Cleveland] III.Especially after WWII, Cleveland was visibly abandoned and disinvested – leaving behind impoverished neighborhoods and people IV.The future of Cleveland depends on its ability to attract people who could afford to live in suburbs

Two: Rebuilding I.Half or more of the City’s land needs rebuilding (30-40 square miles) A.Very little is happening outside of downtown II.Need public funds to encourage rebuilding A.Development costs per acre: city: $133,000; undeveloped land: $50,000 B.Government must make up the difference 1.It already subsidizes ‘sprawl’ development by extending infrastructure 2.Suburbanites will support this if they see it in their self-interests

Three: Cuyahoga Suburbs I.Older suburbs are in decline II.Those doing well are threatened by A.Long-term trends of continued sprawl and outmigration B.Location within Cuyahoga county 1.Which itself may see declining tax base, rising social needs, rising tax rates 2.These push factors will drive people and business out of the county 3.[both are happening]

Four: Adjacent Counties I.The region is seeing uneven development II.Adjacent counties are receiving influx from Cuyahoga A.Some like it – new wealth B.Some do not – increased congestion, transformation of way of life

Five: Regional Commitment (continued) I.Three objectives A.Rebuild central cities B.Rebuild older suburbs C. Preserve farmland and open space II.Current pattern of development creates community instability A.[“You can run but you can’t hide”] B.Therefore everyone’s self-interest is in a regional commitment to these objectives

Five: Regional Commitment III. Key factors affecting commitment A. Race B. Real estate development

Six: Regional Development Plan I.Each county should create a plan II.Seven counties should A.Coordinate their plans B.Create cooperative plans 1.E.g. tax-base sharing