FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Mary Trupo
Director of Communications
mtrupo@clvhts.com
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS APPROVES DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH START RIGHT CDC FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOUSING IN THE CALEDONIA NEIGHBORHOOD
Cleveland Heights, OH, October 8, 2021 - This week Cleveland Heights City Council unanimously authorized entering into a Development Agreement with Start Right Community Development Corporation (CDC) to construct new infill housing in the City’s Caledonia neighborhood. This action represents the successful conclusion of ongoing negotiations between the City and Start Right over the past year.
The Agreement establishes two potential phases of construction, with up to 10 lots to be built during Phase I, and upon completion of this phase, up to 13 additional lots for infill housing construction in Phase II, for a total of 23 new homes in the Caledonia neighborhood. The building sites are currently City-owned vacant lots that resulted primarily due to the Great Recession of 2008/2009. The resulting new houses are to be single-family, owner-occupied dwellings.
The construction of new homes on lots that have been vacant for a significant period of time is anticipated to have a positive impact on neighborhood stabilization, vibrancy, and on attracting new residents to the City. Start Right CDC has been very active over a number of years in the Caledonia neighborhood, providing community development services to this area in Cleveland Heights. Their familiarity with the neighborhood is anticipated to be a positive factor in attaining the goals established in this Development Agreement. At this time, the project will not include any City funding for construction financing.
Per the terms of the Development Agreement, a minimum of three (3) houses are required to be completed by December 31, 2022, and a total of six (6) houses completed by June 30, 2024. Both parties have the right to terminate the agreement if these milestones are not met. The Development Agreement shall terminate upon completion of Phase I & Phase II or on December 31, 2026, whichever occurs sooner, unless extended by mutual agreement of both parties.
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