Council approves chain‑of‑title measures for several redevelopment sites ahead of TIF votes

Council voted to approve several chain‑of‑title ordinances that allow the city to acquire and reconvey properties as a preliminary step before consideration of tax increment financing (TIF) under Ohio Revised Code Section 5709.41.

Superior Avenue projects: Companion ordinances for 2202 and 2230 Superior Ave (known in presentation as the Heller and Keller Cone buildings) were presented by the development team. Consultants described plans to convert the former textile buildings into market‑rate apartments and commercial space, creating roughly 100 apartments, 100 parking spaces and a first‑floor commercial suite; the administration emphasized that the formal TIF legislation will not be advanced until an expanded community benefits agreement (CBA) produced by the Office of Equal Opportunity is fully executed.

Westinghouse (1200 West 58th): A separate chain‑of‑title ordinance for the former Westinghouse plant was described as a phased redevelopment (Phase 1A: ~106 market‑rate + 10 workforce units; Phase 1B: ~30 market‑rate apartments) with an estimated total project cost of about $81 million. Staff said the TIF would be a 30‑year, 100% non‑school TIF and that an estimated $23.3 million in local income tax and PILOTs would be generated over the TIF term; the project is expected to use a 15‑year tax abatement and a pre‑development grant had funded brownfield remediation work.

Why it matters: Chain‑of‑title measures are administrative but clear the way for TIF consideration and signal developer progress; council emphasized that CBAs and negotiations must be completed before final incentives are considered. Councilmembers asked for rent ranges and details on workforce housing, and the administration agreed to provide rental figures and CBA details before TIF legislation returns.

Outcome: Committee approved the chain‑of‑title ordinances; developers will return with final TIF legislation once CBAs are executed.