On March 27, 2019, Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland President Dean Tompkins and HBA members Josh Edgell and Aaron Evenchik testified in front of Euclid City Council regarding potential residential home construction in the City.  Euclid Councilperson Kristian Jarosz asked the HBA to assist the City in evaluating a 2003 law that required all new residential construction be a minimum of 2,000 square feet.  The City is concerned the law is preventing new development, especially as much of the existing housing stock is less than 2,000 square feet.  HBA members agreed the 2,000 square foot minimum is an impediment to new construction in Euclid.

The HBA members analyzed and shared thoughts on the Euclid housing market and provided information to the City on construction costs, infill development, and the use of the City’s lakefront to inspire new development.  The City is in the process of constructing a mile-long boardwalk with beach access, which will make Lake Erie more accessible to residents.  The City also shared information on several parcels it may consider for redevelopment as well as property tax abatement programs.

This meeting was an excellent opportunity to start a conversation with an east-side first ring suburb hoping to bring some of the re-development magic from Cleveland’s near west side (i.e., Tremont, Ohio City, etc.) to Euclid.  The City greatly appreciated the feedback provided by the HBA members and expressed a desire to meet again.

HBA members Aaron Evenchik and Josh Edgell and HBA President Dean Tompkins testify in front of the Euclid City Council.