No city can thrive in the 21st century without a thriving downtown. Downtowns are innovative places where creative business can grow and prosper. From the architecture of restored and new buildings, to the offspring of new retail shops and restaurants, downtowns reflect the cultural diversity of the urban core. Yet sometimes, rejuvenating the downtown of a city can produce dramatic consequences, especially under the backdrop of historical racial tension. The latest events surrounding Cleveland’s Warehouse District is a classic example of what happens when such racial and economic tensions clash in a city’s quest to revitalize its downtown.
Since the early 1990’s, downtown Cleveland has undergone a dramatic transformation. The Gateway development project that lead to the development of Quicken Loans Arena and Progressive field, ushered in what was considered by many, a new urban renaissance for Cleveland. However, while these efforts to revitalize downtown and the city's economy have not fully created the substantive renaissance Cleveland desperately needs, it has created pockets of real hope and opportunity in some neighborhoods. Cleveland’s Warehouse District is a great case study of what can happen when residents and private-sector investors come together to create systemic change. With help from the local government as well, leaders in the neighborhood since 1992, have gone above and beyond to develop a hip community that has the amenities and atmosphere to rival any urban enclave in New York City or Chicago. There are new restaurants and clubs, and housing developments that offer great views of Lake Erie.
The distinct problem that may undermine the Warehouse Districts future progress however, lies in the fact that it is one of the very few places in downtown Cleveland that offers a vibrant nightlife. This concentration of clubs, restaurants, and a rowdy crowd anxious to enjoy one of the very few appealing places to relax and party, has created a toxic mix that may jeopardize the districts future. The recent proliferation of several hip-hop clubs has created a tension between residents, owners, and party goers that have led some to believe the local police and club owners are profiling African-Americans without just cause. These accusations led Cleveland NAACP President George Forbes to meet with Mayor Frank Jackson to discuss best solutions to eliminate any unjust racial profiling that could be occurring. In response, the Mayor has urged officials from the federal prosecutors office to improve business owners and employees knowledge of anti-discrimination laws.
Mayor Jackson and George Forbes response is a step in the right direction. However, it will not cure the inherent problem that exists. Cleveland lacks an array of options when it comes to downtown nightlife. To attract talented young professionals, Cleveland needs a concentrated and swift effort to redevelop its downtown in a way that can appease the various ethnic and social groups who call Cleveland home. The Medical Mart Project and the new Casino development may help in relieving some pressure off the Warehouse District. Additionally, the new Flat’s redevelopment also has the opportunity to be a new hub of dynamic nightlife. And while downtown redevelopment is vital for Cleveland's future competitiveness, it will only be a “symbol” of a renaissance, not the "substance" of a renaissance the city needs if redevelopment efforts do not encompass real reforms to create a competitive business climate and a world class education system.
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