Western Reserve Land Conservancy Unveils Initial Findings of Cleveland Vacant Land Opportunity Tool (CLEVLOT), a Two-Year Study on Vacant Land Disposition in Cleveland Funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency

A collaborative effort between Western Reserve Land Conservancy, City of Cleveland, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, LAND Studio, Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc., Union Miles Development Corporation, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Land Bank, Trust for Public Land and over 30 organizations, initiatives, and individuals.

Western Reserve Land Conservancy is pleased to invite members of the media to attend a public forum on Thursday, December 7, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University to share the results of the CLEVLOT project. The event will showcase the initial findings and recommendations resulting from a comprehensive two-year study aimed at improving the disposition of vacant land in Cleveland.

The initiative brought together a diverse array of stakeholders – ranging from city officials and land use experts to local residents and community leaders. The focus was on identifying and alleviating common obstacles encountered in the process of repurposing vacant urban land.

Through a series of workshops and engagement sessions, Western Reserve Land Conservancy gathered insights and experiences from stakeholders. These discussions revealed the multifaceted nature of the challenges faced in vacant land reuse, spanning issues such as long-term stewardship, planning criteria, community engagement, policy-making, and funding.

To address these challenges, stakeholders formed specialized working groups, each dedicated to a particular aspect of the vacant land reuse process. These groups were instrumental in crafting problem statements and developing prototype solutions, thereby deepening the collective understanding of the issues at hand.

Western Reserve Land Conservancy staff worked closely with key partners to turn these prototypes into practical, user-friendly tools. These tools are designed to enhance transparency, accessibility, and equity in the vacant land reuse process. Furthermore, the Land Conservancy has created strong partnerships with organizations poised to sustain and steward these tools in the long run.

The public forum will provide a platform for participants to present their insights, share key learnings, and recommendations. Additionally, the forum will feature a presentation from the Director of Community Development about upcoming changes in the Cleveland Land Bank, and a discussion with distinguished panelists about the past, present, and future of vacant land reuse in Cleveland.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, December 7, 2023

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Location: Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University

2121 Euclid Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44115

This will be an excellent opportunity for members of the media to gain firsthand insights into the innovative strategies, best practices, and potential policy recommendations that may emerge from this groundbreaking study. The findings are anticipated to contribute to ongoing efforts to revitalize and enhance the quality of life in Cleveland’s neighborhoods.

We look forward to your presence at this event and appreciate your support in bringing attention to the crucial issue of vacant land in our community.

For more information about CLEVLOT, visit www.CLEVLOT.org.