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Cleveland has been trying to remake its lakefront for a century.
The Greater Cleveland Partnership counts 16 grand plans that have “risen and faded like waves against the shore.”
But the city’s ambitious plan to reconnect downtown with Lake Erie is gaining momentum, thanks to a new wave of federal support. The Trump administration just awarded another $960,000 grant.
The full North Coast Connector project, whose cost is estimated at $447 million, seeks to better integrate downtown Cleveland with the waterfront by removing outdated infrastructure like the Main Avenue Bridge and converting Ohio Route 2 into a boulevard. It also includes plans to build a pedestrian land bridge near the Mall, a new West Third Street bridge designed for cyclists and pedestrians, and a transit center.
Tuesday’s announcement comes atop nearly $130 million in federal grants, signaling growing national confidence in Cleveland’s efforts to creating a lakefront that better serves residents, visitors, and businesses – with or without a football stadium.
— Laura
Overnight scores and weather
Guardians vs. Baltimore Orioles: Check out the latest Guardians news and game story.
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: A beautiful Tuesday before heat, humidity and storm chances return
Top Stories
Lakefront grant: Cleveland received a $960,000 federal grant for the North Coast Connector Project, Sabrina Eaton reports. The funding will support a multimodal hub study to improve transportation infrastructure and access to Lake Erie.
Today in Ohio: What’s the difference between a renewal and a replacement tax levy? Yeah, plenty of voters don’t know either, which is why the Ohio House this week overrode Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto, in order to ban local governments from using replacement levies (which unlike renewals are actually increases). We’re talking about taxes on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast.
Statehouse & Politics
Sugary drinks: Governor Mike DeWine formed a working group to explore restrictions on sugary drink purchases through SNAP. Anna Staver reports that the 12-member panel is tasked with developing a federal waiver request to potentially ban sugary drinks for food stamp recipients.
Transgender care: The Ohio Supreme Court will review the constitutionality of House Bill 68, which bans gender-affirming medical treatment for minors. Jeremy Pelzer reports on the legal challenge brought by the ACLU, challenging the law’s prohibition on puberty blockers and hormone therapy.
Property tax panel: Governor Mike DeWine’s property tax reform working group faces criticism for excluding urban representatives and struggling taxpayers. Today in Ohio podcast hosts highlight the controversy surrounding the 11-member panel’s composition and potential lack of diverse perspectives.
Guardians name: Donald Trump’s attempt to revive the Cleveland Indians name controversy fell flat, with most fans having moved on. Today in Ohio podcast hosts discuss that the community saw through Trump’s distraction tactic and rejected his claims about Native American support.
Veto override: The Ohio House overrode a DeWine veto to ban certain types of property tax levies, aiming to increase transparency for voters. Today in Ohio podcast hosts explain the differences between renewal, replacement, and emergency levies.
Northeast Ohio News
Election prep: The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is hosting multiple voter education events to prepare residents for the Sept. 9 Primary Election. Kaitlin Durbin writes about events across Cleveland and suburban libraries where staff will distribute new ward maps, voter guides, and ballot applications.
Lorain development: Lorain County secured $67.4 million in state funding to develop a 1,000-acre “mega site” for manufacturing and industrial growth. Hannah Drown highlights the project’s strategic positioning near the Lorain County Regional Airport and plans to address infrastructure challenges.
Business support Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb is expanding the Southeast Side Commercial Corridor Program to support more businesses in Mt. Pleasant, Union-Miles, and Lee-Harvard neighborhoods. Sean McDonnell reports that the city is investing $5 million in economic development across a broader area.
Income tax: North Ridgeville is considering raising its municipal income tax from 1% to 1.75%, which would generate an estimated $6.3 million annually and potentially lower tax payments for most residents. Hannah Drown writes that approximately 80% of taxpayers would benefit from an expanded tax credit, with the city facing potential budget deficits by 2031.
Big tree: The Lorain County Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting its 10th annual Big Tree Contest, seeking the county’s largest White Pine. Hannah Drown reports participants can win gift certificates by submitting entries based on trunk circumference, crown spread, and total height, with the deadline set for Friday at 4:30 p.m.
Business & Health
Clinic expansion: Cleveland Clinic London is expanding with an 81,000-square-foot cancer treatment center expected to open in 2027.Julie Washington writesabout the facility’s plans to offer advanced cancer care and collaborate with the clinic’s global cancer programs.
Crime & Courts
CWRU reimbursement: A Cleveland Heights woman pleaded guilty to her role in causing $400,000 in damage to Case Western Reserve University during a protest. David Gambino highlights that Amelia Morris was one of 11 people charged, and she will pay $40,000 in restitution, while two other defendants entered pretrial diversion programs.
Firefighter justice: Five years after retired Cleveland firefighter Wilbert McCormick was fatally shot while walking in Forest Hills Park, his family continues seeking justice. Lucas Daprile highlights that McCormick’s wife, Venita, is pleading for information about the unsolved murder, with police offering a $5,000 reward for leads.
Arts & Entertainment
Tom Hamilton: After 36 years behind the microphone as the voice of baseball in Cleveland, Tom Hamilton will receive the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award on Saturday during Hall of Fame weekend ceremonies in Cooperstown, reports Joe Noga.
County fair: The 175th Summit County Fair returns to Tallmadge, offering food, rides, exhibits, and themed entertainment from July 22-27. Megan Becka highlights the “Once Upon a Fairytale” event with various discount admission days.
Ask Yadi: A reader seeks guidance about addressing a family member’s house odor, with columnist Yadi Rodriguez offering diplomatic advice on navigating sensitive conversations about home cleanliness.
Wine: Gervasi Vineyard offers a Wine Camp in November, with reporter Paris Wolfe explaining the weekend program that provides WSET Level 1 Certification in Wines.
You’re all caught up
Don’t forget, you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visiting cleveland.com. If you value the hard work of Cleveland journalists, consider becoming a cleveland.com subscriber.
— Curated by content director Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard.
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