This year, the non-profit development group University Circle Inc. unveiled a $7 million dollar plan to revive the neighborhood that surrounds Case Western Reserve University.
The plan is to build 1,000 new homes in five years, and create a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood that generates 10,000 jobs. The ambitious plan would dovetail with the $200 million Euclid Corridor project and expansions of nearby institutions, including the museum.
Ronayne says he wants the help of Case's new President, Barbara Snyder who came from Ohio State University where they underwent a similar transformation.
Chris Ronayne: It's a good model to look at. Thankfully we've got a new university president Barbara Snyder who's come from Ohio State. It's fresh in her mind. But, you know Columbus like I've said over and over is leading the charge in the state of Ohio bringing back a city vis a vis one main street.
UCI already has about $4 million pledged from charitable trusts and foundations. But, Ronayne says he hopes to gather state funding and more private donations for the project. He's unsure if the group would gain the buying authority of similar community development groups.
Chris Ronayne: Should UCI be an entity that is essentially a financing or bonding capability? It exists out there. We could get into those markets. We could become a community development authority as they've done in Columbus and a couple of markets. I'd say we're looking at it.
Audience member Barry Lefko likes the plan, but wants to go beyond the exploratory phase. He wants results - and not just in University Circle, but all of Cleveland. Lefko recently returned after spending 10 years in New York, which he says is much more vibrant. He wants to see more of that here.
Barry Lefko: so that we bring it back to somewhat more of a 24-hour city. We need to see people seeing it as less of just a 9 to 5 destination. And, maybe housing is going to do it. We certainly need grocery, supermarkets there.
Ronayne says that's in the plan too. Tasha Flournoy, 90.3.