What could replace Burke Lakefront Airport if it closes?

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CLEVELAND (WJW) – Cleveland officials are giving a first look at what might replace Burke Lakefront Airport if the city decides to close it.

The possible plans are part of a bigger picture initiative using the tailwind from Burke redevelopment to reimagine the entire lakefront.

With hundreds of acres of unlimited potential, options include keeping Burke and adding a hotel or closing it and creating parks.

However, Baiju Shah, president and CEO of Greater Cleveland Partnership, envisions an entire new community tying into downtown Cleveland.

“What I do see there, certainly mixed use development. You need to have park land. You want the public to have access and enjoy our waterfronts with that mixed use space for housing. There’s space for retail, there’s space for recreational amenities,” Shah said.

Some aviation groups and the Cleveland National Air Show have publicly expressed their concerns and their hope that the airport will remain open. However, the calls to close it appear to be growing louder.

“Change is a challenge for many people,” Shah said. “The biggest unknown, of course, is the air show. The wonderful event could not take place at Hopkins or at the county airport. I don’t know but I expect we’d be able to find a different place.”

So that the entire north coast from Lorain County to Ashtabula can become vibrant, attracting people to the area, officials say.

“We’ve seen the west side, what has happened with Edgewater Park,” Shah said. “It’s happening on the east side with the announcement of the sailing center.”

Not to mention new trails and activity on the Cuyahoga River.

A total transformation could bring in $92 million per year compared to about $77 million now, which is why they hope the plan takes off soon.

“So that we can all move to our future faster,” Shah said.

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb has emphasized that no decision has been made yet on the airport’s future. However, the city of Cleveland is working with the FAA and other groups to explore options.

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Suzanne Stratford

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