Cleveland Development, Planning & Sustainability Committee Meeting – April 21, 2026

The Development, Planning, and Sustainability Committee met on April 21, 2026, to review four items: designating the Saperstein Garage and House as a Cleveland landmark, vacating a portion of Central Avenue for the Bedrock Riverfront project, designating a priority investment area for brownfield remediation in the Midline development area, and authorizing a loan to Guardian Structural Technologies LLC for equipment. All items were approved.

Ordinance 403-2026 – Designation of Saperstein Garage and House as a Cleveland Landmark

• Rachel Pierce, staff with the Cleveland Landmarks Commission, presented a proposal to designate 852–854 East 95th Street (the Saperstein Garage and House) as a landmark. The property is the founding site of American Greetings (founded by Jacob Saperstein) and meets four nomination criteria, including eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. The current owner, Henry Shepard, supports the designation. The landmarks commission and planning commission previously voted in favor. Council members discussed the unusual nature of landmarking a garage and a house, the property's condition (the garage roof is unstable and needs significant investment), and potential funding sources. Councilman Harsh expressed initial surprise but acknowledged the story's value. Councilman Starr questioned whether financial resources are available for maintenance. Pierce noted that the owner has been trying for 20 years, and the designation provides a review process that may prevent demolition without oversight. The property owner has had code violations in the past, current status unknown. The landmark designation was approved unanimously.

Resolution 375-2026 – Vacation of a Portion of Central Avenue

• Norma Romanov (Bedrock) and city engineering staff presented a request to vacate an 88‑foot portion of Central Avenue between West Third Street and the former CSX railroad tracks. The vacation is needed for an access driveway serving the Global Peak Performance Center development. The vacated area will become part of the neighboring LLC (Fundamental Parking LLC). Councilman Davis noted the land is underutilized and expressed full support. Councilman Starr asked about payment; Romanov explained the adjacent LLC already governs the area up to the curb, and this extends it by about 14 feet. The resolution was approved.

Ordinance 401-2026 – Designation of Midline Development Area as a Priority Investment Area (PIA)

• The committee considered designating 52 parcels (approximately 89 acres) in the Central neighborhood as a Priority Investment Area under the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program. This designation would allow the city’s Site Readiness Fund for Good Jobs to apply for up to $10 million in state funding for environmental remediation. The lead presenters were Rick Barga (Site Readiness Fund), John Fosbender (city), and Orlando Grant. They emphasized that no city funds are being allocated—only a designation to seek state money—and that the five‑year tax exemption applies only to tangible personal property, not real estate. Councilman Harsh clarified the process is revenue neutral. Councilman Starr, in whose ward the area lies, expressed strong support but stressed the need for equity, community benefits agreements (CBAs), local hiring, and involvement of minority developers. He asked about the timeline (application expected summer 2026, awards early 2027) and how residents will be engaged. Staff replied that they follow state requirements on prevailing wage and local participation, are modeling engagement after current CBA best practices, and have held several community meetings. Councilwoman Gray inquired about applicability to the Bessemer corridor. The ordinance was approved.

Ordinance 402-2026 – Loan Agreement with Guardian Structural Technologies LLC

• The committee authorized a $500,000 loan (at 5% interest, 7‑year term, fully amortizing, no forgiveness) to Guardian Structural Technologies, an advanced manufacturer of building envelope systems. The company is expanding from 4640 Manufacturing Avenue (Ward 13) to a new 30,000–48,000 square foot space at 18105 Cleveland Parkway (Ward 15). The loan will help purchase a hot‑wire cutting machine (patented by the company) costing $1.5 million; the company provides $1 million in equity. The project will retain 11 existing jobs and create up to 16 new jobs (average wage ~$30/hour). The city will have a first‑position lien on the equipment, and the company provides corporate and two personal guarantees. Councilman Slife (ward of the new location) voiced full support. Councilman Harsh, who toured the company, praised its innovation in panelized housing and noted three Habitat for Humanity houses are being built using their system. He asked about logistics (garage doors, the hot‑wire system) and confirmed the loan terms are strong. A workforce development agreement is included to encourage local hiring. The ordinance was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 403-2026 (Saperstein landmark): Approved.
• Resolution 375-2026 (Central Avenue vacation): Approved.
• Ordinance 401-2026 (Midline PIA designation): Approved.
• Ordinance 402-2026 (Guardian Structural loan): Approved.
• Councilman Harsh requested to be added as a co‑sponsor of Ordinance 402-2026.
• The committee requested a map and additional presentation for the Central Avenue vacation before the Finance Committee.
• All items passed with no recorded opposition.