by Erik Ault

     (Plain Press, December 2022) The City of Cleveland held a series of listening sessions regarding plans for the downtown lakefront. Members of City Hall and planers for Cleveland’s North Coast Connector gave presentations on four proposals and then asked attenders for feedback.

     Four possibilities were presented: No development; building a land bridge over the existing Shoreway; building the land bridge and converting the Shoreway to a city boulevard; or building the land bridge and removing the Shoreway altogether.

     The land bridge would be built behind City Hall and span from Mall C to E. 9th. It would go over the train tracks and give pedestrians wider access to Lake Erie. Other examples of land bridges include the High Street Cap in Columbus and the Gateway Arch Park in St. Louis.

     Engineers are currently conducting a feasibility study to determine which ideas are possible and the potential costs. Residents are encouraged to learn more and share their thoughts at www.clevelandnorthcoast.com.