Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood is in for a little drama on Jan. 12 and beyond. That’s when the nonprofit organization that tries to navigate the many interests of the 19th century neighborhood, which includes old-school cafes, art galleries and historic and modern homes, is going to talk about new taxes.
The Little Italy Development Corp. announced in its latest newsletter that it wants to propose a special improvement district, or SID, to collect additional taxes from property owners to direct to specific improvements in the neighborhood, including new safety measures. (The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Church Hall.)
Ray Kristosik, who leads the nonprofit, told Signal that the money would be largely used for safety and for beautification and streetscape improvements.
“No one has come out strongly against the proposal,” he said, while also acknowledging that the proposal is just in the beginning stages.
The nonprofit that manages University Circle implemented a special tax district in 2025 to bolster its police force and some other services.
Of course, any such tax district needs approval from Cleveland City Council. Kristosik said that Council President Blaine Griffin, whose Ward 6 includes Little Italy, supports discussions about a possible tax district for the neighborhood.
