Cleveland’s East Side/West Side rivalry is a tired cliché—one that’s counterproductive to our ability to move forward as a region. Major investments and new opportunities exist on both sides of the Cuyahoga River, but there are some key differences. Some of the most exciting recent developments—Hingetown, Gordon Square and The Lakewood Solstice Steps—are west of the Cuyahoga River. Meanwhile, many of Cleveland’s most distressed neighborhoods lie to the east.
The next Siegal Lifelong Learning Program’s Northeast Ohio Public Policy Forum series event will explore established development strongholds on the East Side, as well as emerging neighborhoods. What are the progress indicators and how can we advance development prospects and public space investments in ways that benefit the broader community?
This discussion, titled “East Side Development: Prospects for Reinvention,” will be held Tuesday, May 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Heights-University Height Public Library (2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights).
The panel will include people directly involved in the hopeful—and sometimes frustrating work—of regenerating city neighborhoods and inner-ring suburbs.
Panelists will be:
- Joyce Braverman, director of development for the city of Shaker Heights;
- Mansfield Frazier, a journalist, business owner and Hough neighborhood resident;
- Wayne Mortensen, director of design for the Cleveland Neighborhood Progress; and
- Rick Semersky, developer and CEO of VIP Restoration Inc.
Terry Schwartz, director of the Cleveland Urban Design Collaboration at Kent State University, will moderate the discussion.
The forum will highlight current efforts and engage participants in a conversation about local and regional priorities.
This event is free and open to the public.
Registration is available online.