CLEVELAND (WJW) – The city of Cleveland has filed a new lawsuit, appealing the Ohio Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation’s Sept. 18 decision to issue a construction permit for the Cleveland Browns.
ODOT’S decision will allow the Browns to move forward with plans to build an enclosed stadium in Brook Park.
The notice of appeal was filed Oct. 3 in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, by Attorneys Justin Herdman and Michael Gladman, who represent the city of Cleveland.
“ODOT’s decision is not supported by reliable, probative and substantial evidence, and it is not in accordance with the law,” the appeal states. “The city of Cleveland owns and operates Burke Lakefront Airport and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, and it files this appeal out of an abundance of caution in order to provide a safe and secure environment for all passengers, visitors and employees.”
ODOT officials said they cannot comment on pending litigation.
The Browns also are not issuing a comment at this time.
Bryant Francis, the city’s airport director, issued the following statement:
“The City of Cleveland, Department of Port Control, has appealed the recent decision by the Ohio Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation (ODOT), granting a construction permit with a waiver of obstruction standards. The Department maintains that this decision could have implications for the airport’s continued safe and efficient operations. Ensuring the highest levels of safety and reliability remains our top priority.”
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne met with ODOT officials Monday afternoon. Reporters were not allowed in the meeting, and he declined to speak to the I-Team after.
Cuyahoga County Press Secretary Jennifer Ciaccia, however, issued the following statement:
“Today Cuyahoga County officials met with ODOT leadership to share their concerns about the reversal of their decision to deny a permit for the construction of a stadium in Brook Park and to learn how the State of Ohio will ensure that Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Southwest General Hospital, and the traveling public will not be negatively impacted by this proposed project. ODOT was unable to answer questions regarding the ODOT Aviation permit approval, citing the City of Cleveland’s appeal of that decision. They could also not yet fully answer questions about the project’s impact on traffic because their review of the traffic study, paid for by Haslam Sports Group, is incomplete. Unfortunately, there are more questions than answers regarding the project and its impact on our community and we will continue to engage with local and statewide entities to get answers and protect the public’s interests.”
Peggy Gallek
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