I-Team: What local and county officials are saying about high-level talks on Browns stadium plans

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CLEVELAND (WJW) — The FOX 8 I-Team has uncovered more of what’s going on with plans for the future home of the Cleveland Browns, including a scramble over property near where the Browns could build a dome.

On Wednesday, the mayor of Cleveland and the Cuyahoga County executive met with the governor. We’ve found high-level talks are sometimes taking place day after day.

Behind it all, we’ve found some folks are already looking at how they might cash in if the Browns build a dome. Brookpark Road has become hot property; it’s almost around the corner from where the dome could be constructed.

The project is not yet finalized, and it could be years away.

But Brook Park officials said they’re already getting calls about real estate.

“I am getting calls from a wide range of individuals,” said Brook Park Commissioner of Economic Development Paul Marnecheck. “I’m getting calls from property owners, business owners, real estate agents, real estate investment companies.”

The Browns recently released video of what a dome might look like. They posted that the more they explore Brook Park, the more they like it.

At the same time, the team is considering remaking the stadium on the lakefront with renovations and staying there.

Still, interest has been growing from investors on the chance fans could pour into Brook Park.

“They’re calling on the potential. They’re calling on the possibility. They want to get their ducks in a row. They want to do their research now,” Marnecheck added.

In the meantime, on Wednesday Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne appeared on FOX 8 News in the Morning. He argued for keeping the team in the stadium with renovations, especially as the city builds up the lakefront.

“Nothing against Brook Park. This is about keeping the downtown core vibrant,” he said, adding, “So, that lakefront … it’s gonna be open. It’s gonna be vibrant. It’s gonna be more developed in the nearer term.”

Consider this to show you what’s happening with high-level talks about Browns stadium projects:

The governor’s office told us this week the governor met with the owners of the Browns. The next day, he met with the mayor of Cleveland and the Cuyahoga County executive.

We’ve learned Brook Park officials have had talks with state leaders, too.

The Cleveland mayor’s office issued a statement saying, in part, “ … Keeping the Browns in Cleveland is vital for sustaining downtown’s successes, regional health and global image.”

How these projects might affect taxpayers has not yet become clear with any specifics.

A source close to the talks told us the Browns still have a lot to consider.

Some elected officials have more questions.

The governor’s office told us conversations are ongoing.

Cuyahoga County spokesperson Jennifer Ciaccia also released a statement:

“Executive Chris Ronayne met with Governor Mike DeWine yesterday and discussed several high-level topics including storm response and recovery and his position on the renovation of the Cleveland Browns stadium,” it reads. “Cuyahoga County supports keeping the Cleveland Browns where they belong, in downtown Cleveland. The renovation of the current stadium is the fiscally responsible choice for county residents and supports the region’s long-term economic and development goals.”

Although, in case the Browns build a dome in Brook Park, the phone’s already ringing.

“So, they’re ready if and when something comes to Brook Park,” Marnecheck said.

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Ed Gallek

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