Signal Cleveland reported that Cleveland City Council moved last week against the Haslam family over the Browns’ planned move to Brook Park and also criticized Mayor Justin Bibb’s $100 million settlement with the team. The council voted to hold back $1.1 million that the city owed the team for lakefront stadium repairs, according to the report.
A separate vote on resurfacing part of Brookpark Road drew opposition from members who objected because the street is near the proposed new stadium site. The road project began in 2023 and already covered segments several miles from the stadium; the measure was for the next phase. It passed 8-5.
Ward 12 Councilmember Tanmay Shah said his no vote was meant to target the Haslams, who secured $600 million for the new stadium from a pool of Ohioans’ unclaimed payments, Signal Cleveland reported. At a committee hearing, Shah described Brookpark Road as a major entry point and argued that improved roads would indirectly benefit the team.
Ward 15 Councilmember Charles Slife, whose ward includes the stretch slated for overhaul, said the street was in poor condition and warned that voting against ward needs because of proximity to the project could create problems. The next day, Slife said the conflict had been put aside, according to the report. The Brookpark Road bridge remained closed for repairs.