On August 18, Cuyahoga County and local civic leaders hosted a Central Neighborhood Surge Town Hall at the Arbor Park Plaza to connect with residents, provide info on the County’s plans to focus resources into the community, and hear feedback on how the County can better serve them.

Over 100 residents joined the Town Hall event. Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish spoke to how the County may support the Central Neighborhood Surge:

• Matching residents with good-paying jobs: On August 11 the County hosted a job fair at The Friendly Inn in Central, which had 24 companies and 65 residents participating. The County will continue to match residents with County jobs in the area.
• Small business support: The County will reach out to every small business in the Central neighborhood to discuss how the County can ensure their business thrives and grows.
• Bridging the digital divide: The County is working with vendors and local non-profits to bring high-speed internet access to homes and families at a nominal monthly cost.
• Tree planting: Trees mean increased property values, better air quality and less stormwater runoff. The County is investing $100,000 into revitalizing the Central neighborhood’s tree canopy.
• Recreation Center improvements: In partnership with the City of Cleveland, plans are in development to make improvements to the Recreation Center, including a potential splash pad, basketball court, green space and tennis court.
• Road and bridge projects: The Department of Public Works is identifying roads where road improvements could be made.

In addition to highlighting the Central Neighborhood Surge project, residents heard from County Council President Pernel Jones Jr., Ward 5 Cleveland City Council Member Delores Gray, County leadership and local partners on additional resources and services available.

Following the presentations and community discussion, residents explored resource tables and spoke one-on-one with local leaders. County Health and Human Services also made 100 backpacks filled with school supplies available to families in preparation for the upcoming school year.

“It was great to meet and speak with Central residents who joined us at the Town Hall event,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “While we wish to surge an abundance of resources into this neighborhood, it won’t have a real, lasting impact if we aren’t connecting in-person with residents to hear what they think is important to focus on in their community. I look forward to continuing our work with residents so that we can build the Central neighborhood together.”