Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Cleveland / February 19, 2025

🌳 Urban jungle revival

Cleveland • February 19, 2025

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Good morning, Cleveland. When it comes to ambitious plans, Mayor Justin Bibb is swinging for the fences with a whopping $2.1 billion budget proposal that reads like a city-wide wish list. From beefing up public safety to transforming our waterfront, the blueprint aims to reshape Cleveland's future – though some city leaders are already warning about potential budget storms ahead.

Speaking of transformation, Cleveland's concrete jungle might soon get a lot greener. A bold $6 million urban forest initiative promises to boost our tree canopy from a modest 18% to a leafy 30% by 2040. With 28 new forestry positions in the works, including 10 certified arborists, we're not just talking about planting a few saplings – we're planning a full-scale urban jungle revival. Now that's the kind of growth spurt our city needs.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏙️ Cleveland mayor unveils massive $2.1B budget focused on safer streets. The proposal earmarks $409.3 million for public safety, representing half of the city's general fund. Mayor Justin Bibb's "big three" priorities target crime prevention, waterfront development, and revitalizing the struggling southeast side. The plan includes $3.5 million for youth violence prevention programs and $29.1 million for development initiatives. City Council President Griffin warns that federal funding freezes could force them to tap into emergency reserves.

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🌳 Cleveland plans $6M urban forest revival to combat concrete jungle. The proposed Division of Urban Forestry would hire 28 new positions, including 10 certified arborists, to tackle a massive backlog of tree-related projects. The city currently faces over 3,500 pruning orders and hundreds of tree removal requests. This initiative aims to boost Cleveland's tree canopy from 18% to 30% by 2040, improving air quality and reducing urban heat. The new division, approved last July, promises better accountability and tracking of forestry resources than its predecessor.

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🏘️ Cleveland Heights plans to sell prime parking lots for senior housing. The city is considering a $500,000 deal with National Church Residences to transform two parking lots near the former Unitarian Church into a 71-unit senior apartment complex. The four-story development would maintain 50 public parking spaces through an easement agreement, though that's half the current capacity. The nonprofit developer would receive partial sale credits for parking improvements, leaving the city with a net profit of $194,000. The project aims to address senior housing needs while maintaining essential public parking in the Coventry neighborhood.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Cozy home with garage oasis: This charming single-family home in Cleveland's South Hills neighborhood is listed at $165,000. It features a cozy living room with a fireplace, a formal dining room with built-ins, three bedrooms, a fenced backyard, and an oversized garage, all conveniently located near schools and shopping.
Real estate listing image Investment gem in Cleveland: This occupied single-family home is listed at $119,900 and features 4 bedrooms and 1 bath. With a long-term tenant renting for $1,335 per month, it's a solid investment opportunity in a prime Cleveland location.
Real estate listing image Opportunity awaits your creativity: This charming property is listed at $135,000. While the details are a bit elusive, it's an opportunity waiting to be shaped by your vision and creativity.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍷 Feb. 19 - Daily Happy Hour Specials: Raise your glass at Muze Gastropub's daily happy hour! Sip and savor special prices on drinks and bites from 4-7pm, with extended Wednesday-Friday deals running until 9pm at this Lakewood hotspot.
🎤 Feb. 19 - Open Mic Night Live: Unleash your inner star at Soberay365's intimate open mic night! Cleveland's newest music venue welcomes local talent every Thursday and Friday from 5:30-7:30pm, complete with professional sound and lighting at 5500 Walworth Ave.
🍹 Feb. 20 - Daily Happy Hour Specials: Unwind at Muze Gastropub's daily happy hour, where craft cocktails and tasty bites await! Catch amazing drink specials from 4-7pm, with extended Wednesday-Friday deals running until 9pm at this Lakewood hotspot.
🚗 Feb. 21 - Cleveland Auto Show: Rev up your winter at the Cleveland Auto Show! Cruise through dazzling displays of concept cars and new models at the I-X Center on February 21st, where automotive dreams and family entertainment collide.
🎸 Feb. 22 - Midwinter at The Foundry: Rock out at The Foundry as Midwinter, Glasswaves, and Engrave 6Deep deliver a night of intense local music. Doors open at 6:30pm on February 22nd at 4256 Pearl Rd, Cleveland.
👑 Feb. 22 - Drag Queen Bingo Night: Sassy queens Dakota Cox and Lady Inferno Diamond turn bingo into a fabulous affair at Muze Gastropub! Join the laughter and fun every Saturday at 4pm for this wildly entertaining twist on a classic game.
🎸 Feb. 22 - Shelby Olive Live: Rising star Shelby Olive brings her soulful sound to The Flats at East Bank for an intimate late-night performance on February 22. Catch this up-and-coming artist at Cleveland's hottest riverside venue.
🔍 Feb. 22 - Murder Mystery Dinner: Solve a murder while you dine at Cleveland's most interactive dinner theater! Join The Dinner Detective at Hilton Garden Inn Downtown for an evening of mystery, laughs and fantastic food. 6 PM.
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