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Community chimes in on Shaker Square project which could remove Shaker Blvd

The $400,000 project would revamp Shaker Square, though two of four concept designs would remove Shaker Boulevard from the square's center.

CLEVELAND — The first round of public meetings was held Wednesday to discuss the proposal to improve Shaker Square.

The community met with the planners of the proposed project at the Shaker Heights Library. The public were able to give feedback and voice their opinions about the four concept designs, which aim to add a park and more green space.

The $400,000 project would revamp Shaker Square, though two of four concept designs would remove Shaker Blvd.from the square's center.

An employee at Shaker Square Dry Cleaning and Tailoring says getting rid of Shaker Blvd. would do more harm than good, driving people away from the square.

“That’s taking away our parking. Taking away our business. Taking away our money,” Albani Tobias said.

Tobias says with limited parking already at the square, taking away the main street could be disastrous for all of the businesses in the area.

The owner of Edwin’s restaurant, Brandon Chrostowski, agrees with Tobias and others about eliminating Shaker Blvd. However, he says there needs to be a change, he’s just not sure what.

“Shaker Square does need some improvements…just not in the way it was proposed in closing of Shaker Blvd.,” Chrostowski said.

The next meeting will be held on Feb. 21 at North Union Market, 8-10 a.m.

Tara Turner, spokesperson for LAND Studio, which is organizing the project, says developers hope to have a final design concept confirmed by June.

All four of the proposed designs include:

  • Development opportunity
  • Parking lot enhancements
  • Streetscape enhancements
  • Flexible lawn
  • Plaza
  • Urban garden
  • Promenade
  • Bike route
  • Buckeye to Doan Brook Trail
  • Raised crossing

The Shaker Park and Community Commons designs would remove Shaker Boulevard through the square.

This Is Shaker Square and Cleveland Neighborhood Progress will host a trio of meetings this week to encourage public feedback.

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