Cleveland requests $5M extension for North Coast Connector project contract with Osborne

In the heart of Cleveland's city hall, council members gathered to discuss a transformative project that promises to reshape the city’s waterfront and enhance connectivity for its residents. The North Coast Connector project, a significant initiative aimed at revitalizing the lakefront, was the focal point of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on June 2, 2025.

City officials expressed enthusiasm as they outlined the project's progress and funding status. The North Coast Connector aims to convert the existing Shoreway from a highway into a vibrant boulevard, creating a pedestrian land bridge that will link downtown Cleveland to the lakeshore. This ambitious plan also includes the demolition of the Main Avenue Bridge and improvements to various intersections, all designed to enhance accessibility and community engagement.

The project is currently in its first phase, which focuses on the area west of East Ninth Street, aligning with the entrance to Burke Lakefront Airport. Officials reported securing substantial federal funding, including $600 million from the multimodal project discretionary grant program and an additional $700 million from the reconnecting communities pilot program. These funds are crucial for advancing the project, which is scheduled to begin construction in 2027 and aims for completion by 2029.

However, the meeting also addressed the need for an extension of the contract with Osborne, the project’s contractor, requesting an increase to $5 million. This extension is necessary to fulfill requirements set by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and to prepare for the next steps in the project, including traffic analysis and community engagement efforts.

As discussions progressed, council members deliberated on amendments to the ordinance related to the project’s funding. The administration confirmed its support for removing references to future bond funds, clarifying that the project will rely solely on grant funding. This decision reflects a strategic shift towards maximizing available federal resources without the complexities of bond financing.

The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the North Coast Connector project, which not only aims to enhance Cleveland's infrastructure but also to foster a stronger connection between the city and its waterfront. As the council prepares for the next steps, the community watches closely, eager to see how this project will unfold and transform their cityscape.