The Observer, February 2, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 15
Cleveland on Fire: Cleveland Clinic giving back to surrounding community
As much as the Cleveland Clinic is heralded world-wide for its innovative research and health care specialties, it is criticized in its own backyard for seemingly turning its back on the neighborhoods around its campus. This practice has developed over the past 50 years as the hospital and other institutions similar to it have gobbled nearby property to expand while turning a cold back to their neighbors. However, realizing that a strong connection is ideal for all, the Cleveland Clinic is going to begin rehab with community partners.
Adjacent to University Circle, the sprawling Cleveland Clinic campus lays over twenty blocks from Chester Avenue south to Cedar Avenue. Although it is one of the largest employers in the region and draws national attention to the city, it is an uninviting fortress to the streets surrounding it. Large parking structures block off pedestrian activity, empty green lots expand the distance from the street, and no assistance is available to nearby residents.
The Clinic has entered into a partnership with the Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation to fix those problems one block at a time. Starting with the Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center (GCIC), the redevelopment will seek to enhance the neighborhood so it is attractive to residents and businesses.
The GCIC is a planned research building that recently received a $160 million grant from the state. Developed and managed by the non-profit Fairfax group, it will seek to spur other cooperative efforts between the two.
This important partnership will focus on the little building blocks of each community and then build outwards – pedestrian enhancements, security, rehabilitation, and construction. A partnership here is a huge step for the lower East Side of Cleveland as hopefully it will prompt other institutions to follow suit.
One organization that has shown consistent outreach is University Circle Incorporated. Over the past year the non-profit has turned around and recently pushed to create a design-review district for the area. This public entity will guarantee that the community is involved in planning for the future.
There should be more 'outward' thinking of this kind in Cleveland. Many businesses and institutions have the power to make positive impacts on their surroundings which will only help them in the end. Collaboration is a necessary model for a region that is strapped for resources yet has endless potential. Other cities have seen positive results when public-private partnerships have developed on small scales. This should act as a catalyst and model here as well.
Verespej is a senior Political Science/Pre-Law student involved in the performing arts and is also the Executive Director for the Student Turning Point Society
