Contacts:
Devyn Giannetti: (216) 443-8393; dgiannetti@cuyahogacounty.us 


Focus Areas Include New Diversion Center, Central Booking in Jail and Lakefront Plan

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Cuyahoga County has submitted its priorities for projects to be funded by state legislators.

The County met with all state representatives and state senators representing Cuyahoga County to review priorities and requests.

“Our list of priorities tackles some of the critical initiatives we’re working on as a County with our community partners,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “This state funding would allow us to keep our momentum going and provide us with a portion of the resources needed to implement these important plans for the betterment of our residents.”

Four projects were submitted for funding requests:

1. Crisis Stabilization and Mental Health Diversion Center
   This project will create a new staff-secure stabilization and residential treatment center targeted at individuals who would otherwise be charged and placed in the Cuyahoga County jail. It will serve as an alternative to arrest, order to appear with treatment in lieu of incarceration and a pre-trial diversion program after booking in the jail. State funding would be used for new construction or renovation of an existing facility or facilities to provide both short-term stabilization and longer-term residential treatment for people diagnosed with a mental illness or substance abuse.
   Sponsor: Cuyahoga County
   Total Project Cost: $20,000,000
   State Funded Request: $4,500,000
2. Central Booking and Assessment Center
   This project will provide a comprehensive Central Booking and Assessment Center at the existing Cuyahoga County Justice Center targeted at expedited processing, allowing for immediate charge review and comprehensive pre-trial release assessment targeted at assuring that offenders are given the least restrictive sanction appropriate to assure appearance at trial consistent with public safety. State funding would be used for the renovation of the pre-admission processing area and conversion of third floor office space to a modern intake and assessment center.
   Sponsor: Cuyahoga County
   Total Project Cost: $6,000,000
   State Funded Request: $3,000,000
3. Lakefront Access Greenway
   The Lakefront Access Greenway’s primary goal is to open access to the lake front by creating a walking trail and bike path from Euclid to Bay Village along the lakefront. It is anticipated that the first phase will be accomplished via a Lakefront Greenway along the North Marginal Road corridor from East 55th Street to 9th Street. This Greenway will facilitate east-west connectivity with bicycle facilities along Lake Erie. State funding would be utilized for the construction of the recreational trail along the lakefront. This trail will enhance the underserved near the east side of Cleveland with a recreational facility along the lake.
   Sponsors: Cuyahoga County, Cleveland Metroparks
   Total Project Cost: $8,600,000
   State Funded Request: $2,150,000
4. Juvenile Justice Center Security System
   Cuyahoga County is seeking a new integrated security management solution for the Juvenile Justice Center to address existing concerns with facilities and security infrastructure. State funding would be utilized to upgrade existing building infrastructure (wiring) within Juvenile Court operations and Juvenile Detention and to purchase new systems to support the new solution. These include access control, video management, intercom systems, duress systems, perimeter fencing detention and a facility public address system.
   Sponsor: Cuyahoga County Juvenile Justice Center
   Total Project Cost: $5,000,000
   State Funded Request: $2,500,000

“It has been great working with our legislative partners in the statehouse to get their feedback and support for catalytic projects that increase supports for our justice system and provide more equitable access to our county’s greatest resource, Lake Erie,” said Director of Regional Collaboration, Michele Pomerantz, who is organizing the requests for the state capital budget. “We have met with every legislator in the County and are pleased with the feedback they’ve provided throughout this process.”