As Signal Cleveland first reported last week, the Cleveland Browns are trying to rally support behind an ambitious proposal to build a multipurpose stadium and entertainment district in Brook Park near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. It’s an alternative to renovating its current home on the lakefront, which has limited space for all the Browns envision as its next longterm home. It’s newest proposal is also considerably more expensive, with a new stadium expected to cost more than $2 billion, twice the cost of renovating. The team has been telling people it’s committed to paying at least 50% of the cost.
The team has shared plans with lawmakers and continues informal talks about it with others, including officials in Brook Park.
Some Cleveland City Council members complain they are still in the dark about the Browns’ Brook Park plans. The Browns have not shown the latest proposal to members but the team last fall shared its plan for a renovated stadium.
Tonight council is expected to vote on a ordinance proposed by Brian Kazy that’s meant to warn Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam to not look outside the city. The resolution calls on the city’s law department to enforce the state law dubbed the “Art Modell” law. Inspired by former Browns owner Art Modell’s decision to move the team to Baltimore, the 1996 law requires that the host city either approve the move or give the city or a group of residents a chance to buy the team. (The law has yet to be really tested in court.)
While the ordinance holds little weight, it’s meant to remind the mayor’s office and the Browns that council wants to be at the table.
Financing a renovation or new stadium will be tricky for public officials and taxpayers.
