Cleveland Browns COO Dave Jenkins sent a letter to Browns season ticket holders this week concerning the team's future stadium. Though the letter did not say it definitively, most who have read it, believe the team has decided to back a domed-stadium build in suburban Brook Park.
The city has previously pledged $461 million to a projected $1 billion project to renovate the current stadium, but a new facility in a non-downtown area seems the preferred model for ownership.
The team’s lease with the city and the lakefront stadium ends in 2028. The new, $2.5 billion domed stadium would rest on 176 acres bordered by State Route 237, Snow Road and Interstate-71.
Whether that land remains in Brook Park or becomes part of the city remains to be seen. Hopkins International Airport, for example, was built in the City of Brook Park but was annexed into Cleveland after completion.
The same could happen to the stadium, thus impacting title examinations and escrow transactions.
The expansion of municipal boundaries to incorporate adjacent or nearby land is a common practice, though not as much so for a project with this large of a scope. Any annexation into Cleveland would greatly impact property taxes and local regulations, thereby influencing the value and potential use of the affected properties.
A result of annexation often is access to municipal services such as water, sewer, and public safety, enhancing the quality of life for property owners and residents. Brook Park already is attached to City of Cleveland services, so there would be no change in this instance.
The process of annexation would begin with a petition or proposal from any of three bodies - the land owners, in this case the Haslams; the City of Brook Park or the City of Cleveland.
If there is enough interest to proceed, the two governing bodies would hold studies to evaluate and assess the potential impact on fire protection, streets and other infrastructure on a potential change. If residences are part of the proposed annexation, the community would get a voice as well.
Public notices and hearings would follow to allow nearby property owners and residents to express their views and concerns regarding the annexation.
Legislative approval would be required from both governing bodies in order for boundary adjustments to proceed. This includes updated legal descriptions, property records, and other documentation.
Addressed far enough in advance, an annexed stadium area would not slow the project down any. Water, sewer, and other services are already provided by the city to that area.
Proper permitting facilitated by two governing bodies working together would facilitate the transfer.
Of course, this is all speculation at this point. Neither Cleveland nor Brook Park administrators have indicated that annexation is on the table.
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