In 2022, the first of two 24-story apartment towers at Circle Square in Cleveland’s University Circle was under construction. Today, the second tower next door is just getting underway a few steps from the HealthLine bus rapid transit (NEOtrans). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM.
Regional agencies align planning, zoning, resources
Five regional organizations joined forces today to announce the launch of Cuyahoga TOD, a long-term, collaborative effort to advance transit-oriented development (TOD) in Cuyahoga County communities.
The five organizations are the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA), the City of Cleveland, the Port of Cleveland, and Cuyahoga County.
The initiative’s launch includes a fresh brand and logo, as well as the unveiling of a new Web site CuyahogaTOD.org that consolidates relevant information in a single, centralized location.
Spokespersons for the agencies said Cuyahoga TOD’s goal is to empower people, communities, and partners to grow vibrant, connected neighborhoods along key transit corridors in Cuyahoga County.
By aligning transit, planning, zoning, and development resources, the spokespersons said the initiative will make it easier to build around transit and create the connected, walkable, mixed-use places anchored by high-frequency rail and bus services that people desire.
Cuyahoga County named 22 transit lines as TOD Corridors across 26 communities based on rush-hour service frequency of 30 minutes or less, development densities and transit‑dependent populations. TOD Buffers are 1/4‑mile radius around bus stops and 1/2‑mile around train stations (CCPC).
The initiative emerged from the 2021 TOD Zoning Study, a four-part effort led by County Planning and GCRTA in partnership with the City of Cleveland and several other local communities.
The study examined zoning, land use, and development conditions across transit corridors, revealing significant inconsistencies, barriers, and missed opportunities. Through that work, agencies agreed that a more visible presence and coordinated approach was needed to advance a unified regional effort.
“Cuyahoga TOD is a new, intentional way of working together,” said county planning Executive Director Mary Cierebiej in a written statement. “This partnership transcends individual projects with a long-term commitment to align zoning, land use, transportation, investment, and development strategies across jurisdictions.”
She told NEOtrans that Cuyahoga TOD isn’t a membership program, so there’s nothing for municipalities to formally “join.” Cierebiej described it as a partnership among five regional entities working together to advance TOD across the county.
The Depot On Detroit is under construction next to the West Blvd-Cudell Red Line transit station on Cleveland’s West Side (NEOtrans).
“While Cleveland is a core partner because of its size and transit service, all communities can engage with TOD efforts and make use of the resources and guidance offered through the initiative,” she said. “For instance, we list all communities’ contacts on the TOD Communities page and include site profiles for multiple suburban communities on the Opportunities page.”
The launch of CuyahogaTOD.org brings this coordinated approach into action. The new Web site places TOD resources, financing tools, project tracking, design guidance, and active opportunities in a single, accessible location that allows developers, community partners, and residents to navigate the region’s TOD ecosystem easily.
Although the City of Cleveland is the only municipality in Cuyahoga TOD, the Web site includes TOD plans and projects countywide. They include those in East Cleveland, Fairview Park, and Garfield Heights, with more plans and projects to be added.
Cierebiej said a centerpiece of the Web site is its ability to collect and feature TOD-specific requests for proposals, requests for qualifications, and available sites from multiple jurisdictions and agencies in a single location. Doing so allows developers to quickly access opportunities while providing a focused platform for communities seeking transit-related investment.
A Blue Line train from Downtown Cleveland arrives the Van Aken-Warrensville station in Shaker Heights. The Van Aken District is rising around that station. In 2023, construction included the two-towered Raye Apartments. The Arcadia mixed-use development is under construction now (NEOtrans).
“Strong transit corridors are at the heart of thriving communities,” said GCRTA General Manager and CEO India Birdsong Terry. “By coordinating our efforts and presenting TOD opportunities clearly and consistently, we are making it easier than ever for development to occur around transit.”
The Web site also debuts a Cuyahoga TOD brand. Cierebiej said it is “a visual identity that symbolizes upward momentum, seamless transit connections, vibrant neighborhood hubs, and a shared dedication to growing high-quality places throughout Cuyahoga County.”
This logo and branding will be used in a variety of applications, from annual reports to outreach events and construction sites, to communicate a consistent, recognizable, and highly visible joint commitment to sustained action and progress.
“Cleveland’s future depends on building neighborhoods where people can more easily connect to jobs, housing, businesses, and opportunity,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb.
A Red Line train from Hopkins International Airport, bound for Downtown Cleveland and University Circle, departs the West 65th-Lorain station below Aspen Place, a residential development with ground-floor retail (NEOtrans).
“Cuyahoga TOD gives our region a stronger way to work together to make that vision a reality,” Bibb added. “By coordinating our investments and planning around transit, we can create more connected, walkable neighborhoods and unlock new opportunities for growth along the corridors that serve our residents every day.”
“Transit-oriented development connects people and businesses to opportunity while unlocking new investment and growth in our communities,” said Jeff Epstein, president & CEO of the Port of Cleveland. “The Port is proud to work alongside our community partners on Cuyahoga TOD to strengthen important corridors, catalyze redevelopment, and lay the groundwork for long-term economic growth.”
“This partnership builds on our region’s robust transit infrastructure and positions us to leverage it for future development,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “By reconnecting and uplifting communities through transit-focused reinvestment, we are creating places where residents can access jobs, housing, and transportation more easily.”
A companion launch video highlights the vision behind Cuyahoga TOD and invites partners, developers, and residents to explore the new website. In the coming weeks, the Cuyahoga TOD website will highlight new opportunities for TOD as partners continue to advance transit-focused reinvestment across key corridors.
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