TBideon

Since 2014, $7 billion of debt was wiped away post bankruptcy, and Dugan has been a historically phenomenal mayor. Since then federal funds have also helped with bulldozing 24,000 blighted homes/structures and renovating thousands. Lots of other reasons including Gilbert's involvement, four professional sports teams, revitalized green spaces/riverfront, etc, but I feel civic pride is the biggest one. Detroit vs Everybody just hits hard and makes its region want to be supportive. Also, Michigan is a truly beautiful state with a fantastic governor. It all adds up.

It's amazing how people talk endlessly about "transformative" projects, have all kinds of projections, presentations and hype, and seek endless tax credits, public funds, and adulation. And the end result either disappoints or takes years and years to get started. Meanwhile Schaaf just went out and bought the Carnegie building in Slavic Village. He saw a building he liked, wrote a check for $237,000 and boom, it's his, though fundraising was required for the 7-figure renovations. And again, in Slavic Village. Broadway/55th is no picnic, but Schaaf took a chance, and I hope to god the place succeeds. Dude is a true legend. He's a worth a thousand Gilberts and a million Haslams.

I just saw the guy speak at the Cleveland City Club last week. An amazing human.

It's a cool project but extremely small as a whole. I don't think the relatively few tenants will be sweating a quick drive to Ohio City.

I concede there is some economic activity those weekends -- but to the tune of $400-$500 million for stadium development and repairs since 1999?

To be fair, I wouldn't say the Browns really contribute to an exciting downtown. The stadium and Muni lots are so cut off that they might as well be in a different zip code, and I doubt the revenue from a bump in hotels and restaurants, if any, is greater than the tens of millions the city/county pour into the existing complex every few years.

And then in November 2025: "Dear Browns Fans and Northeast Ohio Community, It is with a heavy heart that I announce the Cleveland Browns will be relocating. Despite our efforts to secure funding for a new stadium to enhance the fan experience and ensure the franchise's sustainability, we were unable to reach an agreement. The decision was not made lightly, as the Browns are deeply rooted in this community’s history and spirit. We are profoundly grateful for your unwavering support over the years and will carry the memories of this incredible fan base with us. Thank you for everything. Sincerely, Jimmy Haslam Owner, Cleveland Browns"

I imagine he'll send this in May 2025: Dear Community Leaders, The Cleveland Browns have always been a cornerstone of Northeast Ohio, uniting fans in shared passion. However, to ensure the team's long-term success and to provide a state-of-the-art experience for our fans, a new stadium is essential. Without public and financial support to realize this vision, we may be forced to explore other options outside the region. We remain committed to Cleveland, but this is a critical juncture. Together, we can preserve the Browns' legacy here at home. Let’s work collaboratively to build a future we can all be proud of. Sincerely, Jimmy Haslam Owner, Cleveland Browns

A 50/50 partnership that's really 20/80 over time. And a partnership in which the other partner isn't getting paid any of the actual revenue. Folks, THAT ISN'T A PARTNERSHIP. Can you imagine ANY other business operating this way? How gleefully braindead does one actually have to be to support this grift. F Jimmy and his wife. And F anyone who justifies this s**t. I don't care if the Browns win ten Superbowls. It's still a s**tty deal.

Well... the temporary/Phase 1/only casino was a pretty sneak move. I certainly don't remember the voters voting for that place.

Yep. Say what you will for the Cameron Diaz model and loudmouth permanent victim, and their online fame/notoriety, but Caitlin Clark has truly changed the sport.

Well, they're evacuating Springfield now.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/new-nvidia-ai-chips-face-issue-with-overheating-servers-information-reports-2024-11-17/ New Nvidia AI chips overheating in servers, the Information reports

There is a nominal police presence. It's very safe. Strength in numbers is a big advantage no matter where you are.

I never accepted that the taxpayers may be extorted. Not a dime to the grifter.

Clutching at the past and fighting losing battles, especially those (arguably) financially detrimental when you do the math, do not help; repeating these old mistakes just pushes the region further and further behind. Accept the L, re-budget anticipated but now unnecessary stadium improvements, and begin plans for actual economic policies and attentions that benefit Cleveland.

"People were talking about the Bills potentially leaving and now there’s a $2 billion stadium going up across the street to keep the team in Buffalo long term,” Guelli said" Everything wrong with the US encapsulated in one statement.

I would argue the optics of the Browns leaving again are bad for local leadership. I'd also argue that Cleveland's refusal to accept and evolve from change has been a serious detriment to the region's health, and that stubbornness goes far beyond the Browns. We need to move on from this and take the loss.

I get all that. But, realistically, what do Bibb, et all, hope to achieve? Jimmy wants a dome and to control the surrounding assets before he dies; I can't stand the guy, but at least he hasn't been shy about it, and the current location and Burke can't provide both. Jimmy isn't looking to be a good Cleveland steward; he is looking to max his investment. The city and county took their shot, and it missed. But playing games for political and reelection points is a waste of time and resources and brain cells.

My question then is what would the city and county's actual end goal be. Compelling a sale to another billionaire in six months (as of...[date]) who would commit to the current site?

You'd think they'd have some language already researched and drafted. It isn't like this suit is a surprise.

That's beyond my pay grade. For what it's worth, OSU is rumored to be looking at either Baldwin-Wallace or Lakeland, I forget which.

I've heard that too. Plus there are rumors that Baldwin-Wallace and Lakeland may be closing/getting acquired too. A difficult time for local colleges.

C Or setting the groundwork for defending themselves from an undoubtedly irate public when city and county moneys are refused for Brookpark, and Jimmy gaslights and threatens to leave the region.

There isn't even a coherent vision for Burke 2.0, more or less a proper feeder airport, more or less developer and investor interest, more or less population (local and metro) interest, more or less a prayer of financing. Spending years and hundreds of millions of dollars (from where exactly?) just so Burke sits empty indefinitely is a waste of effort. There are too many vacant parcels as it is throughout the city; focus needs to be pushed on developing those properties and not creating even more due to some abstract climate refugee/migrant influx in 2080.