After this week’s decision by the Ohio Department of Transportation, less than 20 yards stands between the Cleveland Browns and a new home.
ODOT denied the Browns’ building permit to construct on property across from the Cleveland Hopkins Airport because the apex of the building is 58 feet higher than allowed for nearby air travel, thus being an obstruction to air navigation.
The new Cleveland stadium planned for nearby Brookpark, Ohio, is on a standstill because of the decision. This comes after the state of Ohio announced $600 million in funding assistance for the $2.4 billion project.
ODOT delivered the news to the Haslem Sports Group in a letter.
“This is, as proposed, going to be the closest stadium in the country to an airport,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Roanne, who asked ODOT and the FAA to analyze the issue. “And when you look at that fact, there are all kinds of problems that open up with that.”
This setback could lead to months of delay as debate and discussion happen.
The Browns now have three options.
- Appeal the denial by Aug. 31.
- Ask the airport for a waiver.
- Move to a site further away from the airport.
Current plans include a playing surface 80 feet below ground level. Another costly option is to dig deeper and set the playing surface around 140 feet below ground. For comparison, the recently built SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., is 100 feet below ground level.
The new Brookpark Browns stadium project comes a quarter century after the 1999 building of the team’s current stadium. Construction was scheduled to begin in 2026 with a proposed completion in 2029.
The Haslem Group is contesting the decision by ODOT and is not likely to move locations. More is expected soon for the Browns stadium news as the ODOT appeal deadline is just two weeks away.
This situation illustrates how one improper permit can halt any project, no matter the size or economic impact. Express Permits is based in Northeast Ohio and has experience throughout the lower 48 states and parts of Canada to help you with your permitting process. You can contact us with questions via our website or call (877) 898-9988.
Share this Post