Council committee approves land swap and $2.1 million city contribution to move JFK athletic stadium next to Frederick Douglass Rec Center

The Municipal Services and Properties Committee on March 31 approved Ordinance No. 246-2025 authorizing a property-exchange agreement with the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) that includes transferring several city parcels to CMSD in exchange for CMSD conveying the former JFK High School site to the city; the action also authorizes a shared‑use agreement for a new athletic stadium adjacent to the Frederick Douglass Recreation Center and confirms city bond funding for stadium construction.

What the ordinance covers: City staff said two land bank parcels (773 and 777 Parkwood Drive) will transfer to CMSD for FDR Academy; another parcel at 3172 W. 40th St. will transfer for Newcomers Academy. In exchange, CMSD will convey the former JFK high school on Harvard Avenue to the city for community and economic development. CMSD will construct a new track and athletic stadium at the new JFK campus next to the Frederick Douglass Recreation Center; the city will provide $2,100,000 in bond funding previously approved in 2022. Staff said the combined cost for phase 1 improvements at the new JFK field totals about $4,100,000, with CMSD contributing roughly $2,000,000 for phase 1.

Council action and amendment: Councilman Richard Star moved an amendment to change references in the ordinance from “JFK Recreation Center” to “Frederick Douglass Recreation Center” to match the facility’s official name; the amendment was seconded and adopted by voice vote. The full ordinance passed and will proceed to finance for further review.

Concerns and discussion: Several council members expressed reservations. Councilman Brian Casey criticized the ordinance as three separate actions presented in a single package (land swap, stadium funding, and shared-use agreement) and expressed concern about the city committing $2.1 million to a project led by CMSD; he noted bond proceeds were sold in 2022 and questioned timing and oversight. Other council members raised questions about the municipal football (Muni) league’s use of stadiums: members said Collinwood Stadium and other fields have had renovation delays and closures that affected league scheduling, and they asked staff to confirm whether CMSD charges municipal leagues for facility use and to clarify the city’s ongoing access and maintenance arrangements. Committee members and staff agreed to follow up with CMSD and Parks on timelines and facility-use agreements.

Staff and next steps: City staff said the $2.1 million in bond funding was set aside in prior bond sales and that an RFP for redevelopment of the old JFK site identified a developer; the ordinance implements the land exchange needed to move redevelopment forward. The committee approved the ordinance as amended; staff said the item will later be considered in finance.