CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Following confusion over the Anthony J. Celebreeze Federal Building being placed on the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) “non-core property list” to be sold, local lawmakers are hoping to work with the Federal Government to keep this jobs in Cleveland.

The Celebreeze building was placed on the property list in early March along with hundreds of other properties across the U.S. only to be deleted from the list a day later. GSA has yet to specify if this was a mistake or a sign that those buildings that were removed are actively being look at to be sold.

The “non-core property list” identifies buildings that the U.S. General Services Administration deems are not “core to government operations, or non-core properties”.

The buildings would then be sold to “ensure that taxpayer dollars are no longer spent on vacant or underutilized federal spaces”.

Below are the statements released from various lawmakers around Northeast Ohio:

“My administration is aware of discussions regarding the potential closure and sale of the Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building.  We are actively working with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and our local, state, and federal partners to understand the timeline.  While it seems GSA is early in the process of determining next steps for the building, it is concerning nonetheless.  At this time, we have received no indication that the federal government plans to reduce staffing levels for these agencies.  However, should any Cleveland workers be impacted, we stand ready to support them through our Rapid Response Hub in partnership with Greater Cleveland Works.  

The City’s priority is ensuring that the 4,000 federal workers in the Celebrezze Building remain employed in Downtown Cleveland.  Our urban core is a vital economic and civic hub, and we stand ready to collaborate with our federal partners to ensure that these agencies remain Downtown.”

The Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building is a landmark in downtown Cleveland, and stands as a symbol of public service, justice, and civil rights. The federal workers employed there play a vital role in contributing to the economic stability and growth of the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. The County administration is aware of the discussions surrounding the potential sale of the building and has been in contact with federal officials. Cuyahoga County urges leadership within the federal government to reinvest in the building to ensure that all federal jobs are retained in our urban core.

 Earlier today, Cleveland City Council received news about the potential selling and closure of the Anthony J. Celebrezze federal building in Downtown Cleveland. Celebrezze, Cleveland’s 49th Mayor, a former judge, and cabinet member in two presidential administrations is an icon in Cleveland history and politics. 

Coupled with the possible departure of the Cleveland Browns and the relocation of the county jail to Garfield Heights, our central business district is experiencing real change. The city of Cleveland is investing heavily in the central business district, and the selling of the Celebrezze building threatens progress. 

However, we are encouraged by the news that the federal jobs at the Celebrezze building will not be lost, as federal officials have indicated they are looking for other sites to host these workers. City Council will do everything in our power to keep those jobs in Downtown Cleveland. 

Council will continue to work with all willing partners to protect, and inject more life and vitality into our central business district.

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The Celebreeze building has more than 4,000 employees, housing federal departments such as; The Department of Defense, Defense Financing and Accounting Service, Chief of Naval Personnel; Veterans Affairs-Veterans Benefits Administration; Internal Revenue Service; Department of Homeland Security: U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; National Labor Relations Board.

It is not known yet if the building is staying under federal ownership or will be sold.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – One person was taken into custody after a standoff and a fire in the city’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood.

The situation at a house in the 4600 block of Bader Ave. began around 10 p.m. Tuesday when Cleveland Police Second District officers went to the home to search for a man wanted for multiple felony warrants.

Cleveland Police said officers were given consent to check the home, but as they approached the rear staircase, the suspect threatened to shoot if they continued.

Officers retreated and attempted negotiations, but the suspect refused to surrender and barricaded himself inside, making threats about a shootout and possessing explosives.

SWAT officers and the Bomb Squad were called to the scene and officers said as SWAT entered the home, the suspect set the fire and fled out the back.

After a brief foot chase, the suspect was arrested at 3:06 a.m. Wednesday.

His name has not been released.

Cleveland Firefighters said they fought the blaze from the exterior, due to concerns of possible traps or explosives inside.

Damage is estimated at $80,000.

Police added five cats and two dogs are believed to have died in the fire.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – City Dogs Cleveland said the kennel is full again with more than 100+ “amazing dogs who would love to blossom in homes of their own.”

So, now’s the time to “Spring into Love with CITY DOGS!”

To help getting as many precious pups paired up as possible, City Dogs has reduced adoption fees to just $21 from Friday, Mar. 28 through Sunday, Mar. 30.

“We have lots of dogs coming in our door everyday and we hope to have a big adoption weekend!” City Dogs Cleveland stated. “We’re all excited for spring, so why not enjoy it with a new best friend?!”

Not only will you have the best time this springtime with your new four-legged best friend, the adopt fee also includes:

• microchip
• county license
• basic vaccinations
• spay/neuter surgery
• and of course, a lifetime of love!

Walk-ups are welcome between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

CLAIM YOUR DOG

City Dogs Cleveland wants to get lost dogs back to their owners.

Click here to see all of the lost/found dogs in the kennel.

The Cleveland kennel is located at 9203 Detroit Ave., and can be reached at 216-664-3069.

“If you don’t reach someone live right away, PLEASE leave a voicemail as these are checked regularly,” City Dogs insisted. “If you know anyone who is missing a pet, please have them check the kennel ASAP!”

ADOPT

If you would like to adopt one (or more!) click here to see the precious pups just waiting to be part of your family.

For those who can’t make the adoption event or want to avoid a potential wait, click here to set up a meet and greet with the dog who is pulling on your heartstrings from the photos.

FOSTER

Even if you aren’t able to adopt at this time, but still have some room in your home and heart, you can click here to learn about fostering a dog.

“It will save a life, but isn’t a lifelong commitment,” City Dogs Cleveland stated.

VOLUNTEER

If you only have room in your heart and your schedule, become a volunteer!

The City of Cleveland said volunteers can help with:

• dog walking
• events
• fostering
• transport
• social media and networking
• photography
• training
• and more! 

Email citydogs@city.cleveland.oh.us or call 216.664.3069 for more information about future volunteer opportunities.

DONATE

For those who are unable to adopt or foster at this time but still want to help, the kennel is always in need of monetary and item donations, like the dogs’ favorite chew dogs.

“Providing the dogs with in-kennel enrichment is so important when our facility is so full,” City Dogs Cleveland stated.

You don’t even have to go to the store or stop by the kennel to drop off your donations!

Just purchase these items from the City Dogs wish lists on Amazon or Chewy, and they will be automatically delivered to the kennel.

Click here to view the City Dogs Cleveland Amazon wish list.

Click here to view the City Dogs Cleveland Chewy wish list.

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