Cleveland mayor shows off West Side Market to other Ohio mayors and state legislators

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb confirmed off the West Aspect Market to fellow mayors and different Ohio political leaders immediately, praising legislators for investing within the historic facility.

Bibb toured the market with members of the Ohio Mayors Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of mayors of the state’s largest cities and suburbs, in addition to state legislators. He made remarks outdoors the market earlier than the tour and after internet hosting a gathering of the alliance, his first as a member.

Bibb thanked state lawmakers for supporting efforts to enhance and protect the market and mentioned he was joyful they visited.

“I’m all the time pitching the West Aspect Market to members of the state legislature,” he mentioned.

The Bibb administration has introduced plans to herald a nonprofit operator of the market whereas pursuing short-term enhancements, together with a yearly 3% cap on vendor lease will increase, longer-term rental contracts and alcohol gross sales.

Bibb praised the state for committing a half million {dollars} within the capital funds for future market modernization, together with enhancements to the second ground.

“So having members of the state legislature right here immediately to see this wonderful asset will go an extended method to preserve making the case for why we want extra funding from the state proper right here,” Bibb mentioned.

Along with the market tour, the group mentioned “the distinctive challenges and alternatives going through Cleveland and different cities throughout the state,” Bibb mentioned. Subjects included the economic system, colleges, public security, revitalization of cities and constructing relationships throughout the state.

Among the many mayors and lawmakers current had been Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter and Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn.

“We all know that the way forward for our state with respect to financial improvement, job creation, inhabitants progress and vitality all runs by Ohio cities,” Ginther mentioned. “If Ohio cities are robust and rising, we all know that our state’s financial future is that a lot brighter.”

State Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) and State Rep. Marilyn John (R-Richland County) mentioned the significance of Ohio communities constructing relationships with each other

“I’m wanting ahead to growing future relationships with of us in townships, smaller cities, as a result of it takes all of us working along with these mutual considerations that we’ve to have the ability to make Ohio the best state that we will,” mentioned Antonio. “As a result of when it is all mentioned and carried out, we’re on the identical staff.”