Development Plan Elements
The following elements from the SAG Concept drawing are considered essential for a plan to redevelop
Severance:
1. A major greenspace (the central park concept or similar]) complemented by as much distributed
greenspace as is economically viable.
A. It provides a multi-use public space suitable for children (playgrounds, splashpads, etc.) to
teens/young adults (athletic fields, picnic space, etc.) and through geriatric adults (benches, trees for
shade, grass space to lie and rest or nap on, etc.).
B. If fronting local retail and dining, a major greenspace provides an inducement to non-residents
to come and spend the day as well as serving as the backyard playground and central gathering place
for residents of the Village and of Cleveland Heights at large.
2. Retention of at least the two extant major retailers (Dave's and Home Depot) and in addition to a
food court and pop-up space, provision for locally owned, "village oriented" retail and dining easily
accessible from the Central Park, from parking and from the rest of the Village.
A. The two major retailers each serve critical niches in the retail fabric of the near-east side, providing essential services to minority communities and contractors.
B. Village retail and dining should be locally owned and serve not only local residents, but also visitors from outside the local area and here for the park, the hospital, or performances in the pavilion.
3. Any point in the village must be accessible by walking from any other point in the Village in <15
minutes, without significant grades or high traffic intersections (90+ walkability index). This
implies/requires complete removal of the existing mall structure extending NE from Home Depot.
4. Incorporation of a significant number of residential units of varying kinds (ideally both for sale and
rental) ranging from affordable to market price. Many should be designed for single floor living suitable
for elderly occupants from a variety of economic backgrounds.
5. Support for the arts in Cleveland Heights, including performance and display spaces.
6. Ideally, inclusion of a post-secondary academic institution granting medically-oriented degrees (e.g.,
School of Psychiatric Nursing, School of Public Health, etc.) and both supporting and being supported by
the MetroHealth Behavioral Health Hospital at Severance.
A. Academic and medical institutions are generally recession resistant and growth oriented, thus offering important long-term stability.
B. Students and junior faculty would lessen the impact of the geriatric residential emphasis.
The following elements are strongly desired but---except for demolition—are not yet seen as likely deal
breakers if not included:
1) Demolition of entire NE wing (HD to Walmart) done first; 2) Development complete within 8 years; 3)
Independent (wind?) electric micro-grid; 4) Splash pad/ice-skating area; 5) Playground; 6) Expanded
public transportation (with multiple Severance stops) within CH, East to Ursuline, West to downtown
and MetroHealth; 7) Light manufacturing or office space; 8) Hotel.
