On January 20th, 2023 the JRoc Development company, the developers of Electric Gardens, proposed to the City of Cleveland Planning Commission the land north of University Rd, between Interstate 90 and West 3rd street be rezoned a mixed use retail and residential development. JRoc initially sought a K5 height variance (250 feet), without being required to reveal a specific development plan.  The City of Cleveland Planning Commission approved a K3 height (115 to175 feet) by relying only on a verbal commitment from JRoc to “consider” not disrupting view from the Towpath trail, instead of amending it to a K2 height of 60 feet.

A K3 structure on that narrow parcel would not only be disastrous to the scenic aspect and structural integrity of the Towpath trail, but also the neighborhood. A  building, at this height, directly abutting the Towpath would effectively eclipse Tremont from downtown and be directly contrary to the stated goal of the zoning change tying the neighborhood to the waterfront. It would also result in damage to the neighboring homes, decrease in residential property values and a loss of enjoyment of the Towpath trail.  Several other potential adverse issues related to this project:  environmental effects, pollution, parking, traffic and crime, have not been properly studied.

That is why residents of the Tremont neighborhood have started this “The Save the Scenic Towpath” movement.  We are NOT against the development of the mixed use project proposed by the developer, we are strictly against the current K3 height and the City not considering all the factors that such a project can impose on the neighborhood and the Towpath.

Please sign the petition below to show your support to this movement and share this link with anyone who enjoys the Towpath and the neighborhood.