March 28: Cleveland Landmarks Commission
Covered by Documenters Sarah Kinley (notes) and Marvetta Rutherford (live-tweets)
Selling as is
In separate cases, two homeowners expressed concern about the do’s and don’ts regarding home repairs and renovations in Cleveland’s historic districts.
Bernard Chambers, of Goliath Holding Group, wanted to create a second-floor addition to accommodate a new bedroom suite with a walk-in bathroom and closet in a Clinton Avenue home. But the commission took issue with some of the design details – details Chambers said he thought were hashed out at a prior meeting with Landmarks staff.
The commission voted to approve Chambers’ plans on the condition that the second-floor addition be removed. That stipulation compromises the design plan, according to Chambers, who added that he intends to sell the house as is instead of moving forward with his desired renovations.
Confusion on home renovations in Cleveland’s historic districts
Chambers spoke about a broader issue with homeowners in Cleveland’s historic districts not being made aware of Landmarks’ requirements ahead of purchasing homes.
“I just don’t see how any of this helps anybody because no one’s on the same page because there’s no clear guidelines on what should and shouldn’t be done,” Chambers said.
Real estate agents should make it clear to buyers when homes are in a historic district, Commission Vice Chair Robert Strickland said. He added that the commission is required by the City Charter to consider standards set by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Chambers suggested there be a handbook telling prospective homeowners what they can and can’t do with homes in Cleveland’s historic districts.
Jennine Malone, who received approval from the commission to replace her siding, also said she did not receive disclosure when purchasing her Ohio City home.
Gordon Square dog park goes back to drawing board
Bond Street Group, the developer behind the Welleon apartments in Gordon Square, has long sought a small park near the building on Detroit Avenue. And though the Cleveland Landmarks Commission approved landscaping plans in July 2023, a new, previously unmentioned feature of the space brought the group back to the commission last week.
Justin Strizzi, from the development team, described plans for including a dog park. Cleveland City Council Member Deborah Gray, who serves on the commission, asked if the space would be public or private.
It could be both, Strizzi said. He noted planned public seating amid the landscaping and the possibility of limiting access to the dog park to Welleon residents – at least during certain hours.
Joyce Pan Huang, commission member and director of City Planning, said she would like to see the dog park be open to the public. Citing as inspiration a turf-based dog park in Detroit, Michigan, Huang said she envisions a privately owned public space that activates the area for everyone.
Strizzi agreed to the commission’s motion to table the proposal, giving Bond Street Group time to adjust the plans.
Sculpture repair at Cleveland Cultural Gardens
The Gandhi statue at the India Cultural Garden is set for repair. The commission approved plans for Mario Stone to replace the base of the sculpture, which has a crack. The work requires a crane.
Strickland asked the project team to define how they will safely use the crane so as to not cause other damage.
Read the notes from Documenter Sarah Kinley:
Read the live-tweet thread from Documenter Marvetta Rutherford:
Read the notes from Documenter Chanel Wiley:
