Burke Impact Studies Unveil Transformational Economic Opportunity for the Region

The City of Cleveland and the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation (NCWDC) today released initial economic impact findings for a recreation-focused, low-density redevelopment concept for Burke Lakefront Airport. The analysis, conducted by ESI Solutions, evaluates conceptual redevelopment scenarios.

"Today's announcement builds on decades of research, all pointing to one clear conclusion: Cleveland has a tangible opportunity to lead the region by setting a new standard for lakefront development," said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. "This is our moment to reimagine the lakefront by delivering accessible, high-impact investment that drives economic growth and creates sustainable opportunities reaching beyond downtown to every neighborhood."

This analysis is an exercise to determine if the land that Burke currently resides on could be redeveloped with financeable uses that drive significantly more economic impact to the City while increasing public access to the waterfront. The concepts presented are intended to inspire meaningful community dialogue and shared visioning. Any development of Burke will incorporate significant engagement by the public, and an initial engagement sprint is currently underway. The potential uses studied include:

• Public promenade with restaurants and marina to provide public access to the waterfront on foot or via boat.
• Competitive youth sports and recreation facilities estimated to bring hundreds of families to downtown Cleveland regularly while providing recreation space for Clevelanders.
• Hotels and RV camping grounds that will bring additional visitors to Cleveland to drive economic impact.
• 7-10 miles of public walking and biking paths.
• Vertiport to serve healthcare industry.
• Public golf course that can also serve as free winter recreation activation with cross-country skiing and/or public park space with features that could include an observation tower, sledding hill, viewpoints, and other open space and/or public golf course that can also serve as free winter recreation activation with cross-country skiing.

The report shows that Burke's redevelopment could generate over $600 million in one-time economic impact and more than $2.5 million in annual tax revenue-over five times its current contribution, generating an opportunity to transform this lakefront site into a major asset for the Cleveland and the region.

"This work is grounded in real environmental and site conditions," said Scott Skinner, President and Executive Director of NCWDC. "We've collectively spent decades studying this land. What we heard consistently was a need to show what 'low-density' actually means in practice, and this study begins to answer that with realistic, buildable concepts."

NCWDC led the report analysis in collaboration with the Black Environmental Leaders Association, City of Cleveland, Cleveland Metroparks, Cuyahoga County, Destination Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, and Port of Cleveland.

The City and NCWDC emphasize that the concepts released today are not final and are intended to inform public discussion as part of an ongoing collaboration between the City and Cleveland City Council. A community engagement process is currently underway, including surveys and neighborhood meetings, with additional opportunities for input planned. City Council will discuss the findings at a hearing scheduled for April 15.

Learn more, take the survey, and be part of what comes next.