Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Cleveland / February 28, 2025

🏡 Affordable Dreams

Cleveland • February 28, 2025

​

Good morning, Cleveland. When it comes to affordable housing, Cleveland is writing a masterclass in community transformation. A bold new 136-unit development is breathing life into a vacant Detroit-Shoreway school site, while Cleveland Heights is revolutionizing senior living with a $22M project that puts residents steps away from everything they need. These aren't just buildings – they're blueprints for inclusive neighborhoods where affordability meets accessibility.

Meanwhile, our city's financial report card is giving budget hawks plenty to smile about. With a $2.12 billion balanced budget and construction permits soaring to $2.62 billion, Cleveland's post-pandemic resilience is showing. And those 90 new city positions? They're not just numbers on a spreadsheet – they're real people ready to serve our community, because that's how Cleveland turns challenges into opportunities.

🌤 Sky Skoop

ClevelandWeather Icon
26°
47°
rain 0%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

Brewing Locally Image

🏗️ Cleveland approves 136-unit affordable housing project in historic district. The Watterson-Lake development, led by Pittsburgh-based Bridging the Gap LLC, will transform a vacant 2-acre school site in Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. The mixed-use project includes ground-floor commercial spaces, featuring a café and taqueria, plus community spaces with a playground. Despite some community concerns over scale and traffic, the Landmarks Commission voted 7-3 to approve the project. Developers say the project's density is crucial for securing vital low-income housing tax credits and maintaining neighborhood affordability.

Read more

🏘️ Cleveland Heights greenlights $22M affordable senior housing development. National Church Residences will transform two city-owned parking lots and a church property into a 71-unit apartment building, featuring amenities like a fitness center and social services coordinator. The four-story development, slated for early 2026, will serve seniors earning 30-80% of the area's median income. The project includes public parking spaces and joins another senior housing development on Noble Road, addressing the city's growing need for affordable senior living options. Located near shops, transit, and the library, the Lancashire Road project aims to create a walkable, accessible community for aging residents.

Read more

💰 Cleveland's budget shows resilience despite post-pandemic financial squeeze. The city's 2025 operating budget of $2.12 billion represents the third straight year of structural balance, achieved without relying on one-time funding sources. Despite the end of federal stimulus money, Cleveland has maintained positive momentum with increased income tax collections, low unemployment rates, and construction permit valuations reaching $2.62 billion. The city plans to add 90 new positions, mostly in resident-facing roles, while continuing to exercise fiscal prudence. Tourism and major events continue boosting tax revenues, though officials remain cautious about rising expenses and potential economic challenges.

Read more

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)

Brunswick made it look easy in a 78-31 drubbing of Max S. Hayes, as the Blue Devils continue their stellar season at 19-4 while the Lakers search for answers at 2-16. Meanwhile, St. Ignatius kept pace with their crosstown rivals, improving to an identical 19-4 mark after dropping Lorain 83-62 in a road test that has Cleveland hoops fans dreaming of a potential playoff collision course.

TeamOpponentScore
Max S. Hayes Logo Max S. Hayes (2-16)
@ Brunswick*
L 78-31
St. Ignatius Logo St. Ignatius (19-4)
vs Lorain*
W 83-62

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Turnkey duplex income generator: This turnkey duplex investment in Cleveland is priced at $90,000 and generates $1,245 monthly from long-term tenants, making it a solid income-producing opportunity in a high-demand rental market.
Real estate listing image Timeless 3-bedroom gem awaits renovation: Charming 3-bedroom home with timeless character and a walk-up unfinished third floor, offers endless potential for investors or homeowners. Listed at $48,000, this property is a must-see opportunity.
Real estate listing image Renovated brick townhome near park: This newly renovated brick townhome is listed at $114,900 and features updated baths and kitchen, original hardwood floors, a waterproofed basement, and off-street parking, all conveniently located near Edgewater Park and public transit.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🥊 Feb. 28 - Heavy Hitters Festival: Rock out at Cleveland's Heavy Hitters Festival 2025, where local bands shake The Foundry's historic walls on February 28. Grab tickets for $20-30 at 4256 Pearl Road for an unforgettable night.
🍻 Feb. 28 - Daily Happy Hour Specials: Unwind at Muze Gastropub's daily happy hour, where craft cocktails and delicious bites await! Catch amazing drink specials from 4-7pm, with extra Wednesday-Friday deals running until 9pm at this Lakewood hotspot.
🥊 Feb. 28 - Heavy Hitters Festival: Get ready to headbang at Cleveland's Heavy Hitters Festival 2025! Rock out at The Foundry Concert Club in Lakewood on February 28, with tickets ranging from $20-30 for an unforgettable night of metal mayhem.
💉 Feb. 28 - Cleveland Tattoo Festival: Get inked at Cleveland's biggest tattoo party! The 10th Annual Cleveland Tattoo Arts Festival takes over Huntington Convention Center from February 28th to March 2nd, bringing together top artists and enthusiasts.
🎭 Mar. 1 - Cleveland Slovenian Festival: Shake off winter blues at Cleveland Kurentovanje, where ancient Slovenian carnival traditions come alive! Join the festive celebration March 1st at the Slovenian National Home on St Clair Avenue.
🍺 Mar. 01 - Winter Warmer Beer Fest: Warm up your winter at Cleveland's premier craft beer celebration! Sample brews from 60+ Ohio breweries at Windows on the River during the 18th annual Winter Warmer Fest, March 1 from 2-5 p.m.
💉 Mar. 02 - Cleveland Tattoo Festival: Get inked at Cleveland's biggest tattoo party! The 10th Annual Cleveland Tattoo Arts Festival takes over Huntington Convention Center on March 2nd, bringing together top artists and body art enthusiasts.
🤘 Mar. 02 - Rustbelt Ripper Fest III: Get ready to rock at Rustbelt Ripperfest III, an explosive eight-hour punk and metal showcase at Cleveland's Happy Dog. Catch non-stop performances from Secret Handshake, Big Time Sniper, and more starting at 5pm.

💰 Financial Friday

Evaluate your subscriptions and memberships periodically; many people forget about the services they no longer use or need, and canceling them can free up extra cash for savings or fun activities you actually enjoy.

{% if subscriber.rh_reflink != blank %}

Share with friends, get cool stuff, grow local!

Have friends who'd love our newsletter too? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome local reward when they subscribe.

{{subscriber.rh_reflink}}

PS: You have referred {{subscriber.rh_totref}} people so far

{% endif %}
Instagram

Interested in advertising? Get in touch.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here

← Previous
🏆 Cleveland's Golden Legacy
Next →
🧱 Building history