FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Mary Trupo
Director of Communications
mtrupo@clvhts.com
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS COUNCIL APPROVES METROHEALTH EXPANSION
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH, 3/25/2021 - After the unanimous approval by the City’s Planning Commission and Board of Control, Cleveland Heights City Council approved the expansion of MetroHealth’s hospital located at 10 Severance Circle on Wednesday, March 24.
MetroHealth has offered important services for residents of Cleveland Heights and surrounding neighborhoods since it opened its doors in February 2016. Last year they made the decision to further invest in Cleveland Heights by adding a 100-bed, 79,000 square foot addition, focused on behavioral health issues which will fill a great need that has been compounded by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This opportunity will provide much needed services to our community while also improving our local economy”, said Jason Stein, President of City Council. “MetroHealth has been a good community partner and we are pleased that they decided to invest in Cleveland Heights. They have acted responsibly by seeking out and holding group and individual conversations with neighbors and concerned residents.”
MetroHealth anticipates this $42 million project will add 155 well-paying jobs in the first year, increasing to 225 jobs by the fifth year, with an approximate payroll of $15 million a year. This would result in an estimated additional $340,00 in tax revenue for the City annually.
“By making this critical investment at our Cleveland Heights campus, MetroHealth will be able to address one of our community’s biggest problems – the shortage of beds for acute mental health and addiction disease treatment. This expansion will enable us to give more patients the care they deserve, save lives and make our neighborhoods safer,” stated MetroHealth CEO Dr. Akram Boutros. “We appreciate the support we have received from city leaders and residents of Cleveland Heights, and we will continue to work with them to build and run what I promise will be an outstanding asset for the city and all the people of Cuyahoga County.”
MetroHealth has made a significant commitment to enhance the landscaping, plantings, and tree coverage to “green up” the entire facility and respond to neighbors’ and the general public’s concerns about safety, noise, and the natural environment.
“This commitment to our environment led to our belief that this project is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Severance Town Center District, and this significant investment in the District could help attract future investment at Severance Circle,” Stein said.
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