On Friday, officials celebrated the successful cleanup of an illegal dumping site in East Cleveland, highlighting a collaboration between local and state agencies.
EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — Officials representing several political, health, and environmental agencies gathered in East Cleveland Friday to celebrate the completion of the cleanup and remediation of a former illegal dumping site.
Cuyahoga County leaders say the effort focused on several blocks between Northfield Avenue and Strathmore Avenue. The work done included “the demolition of dozens of blighted properties, the removal of 250 tons of illegally dumped material, and the remediation of land for community development.”
“This comprehensive effort reflects our shared commitment to creating and sustaining healthy, vibrant neighborhoods,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne in a statement. “By restoring this land, we are reclaiming its potential, and laying the foundation for a safer, stronger neighborhood.”
The county shared video showing the progress of the cleanup, including drone footage of the remediated area. You can watch in the player below.
“MORE THAN A HANDSHAKE”
The cleanup in East Cleveland was a team effort, starting with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health issuing a resolution in March of 2024 declaring 30 properties along Elderwood Avenue as a public nuisance and declaring an emergency.
According to the county’s release, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency dedicated over $73,000 to remove nearly 250 tons of solid waste and illegally dumped tires.
“This is what local and state partnerships are all about,” Ohio EPA Director John Logue added. “It’s more than a handshake – it’s a commitment to be with you every step of the way to see a project through to completion. Ohio EPA, Cuyahoga County, and all the partners who chipped in to make this cleanup happen should feel extremely proud for this accomplishment.”
Cuyahoga Land Bank provided $1.7 million in funding in order “to demolish abandoned and dilapidated buildings that posed serious health and safety concerns, attracted criminal activity and blighted the surrounding neighborhood. The agency plans to invest an additional $600,000 to continue efforts to revitalize the area.
The agency’s work to demolish buildings in East Cleveland was spotlighted by 3News last year in our “Mission Possible” series.
Officials added that Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District worked alongside Court Community Service and the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Environmental Crimes Task Force to coordinate comprehensive clean-up efforts and enforcement and investigative efforts to hold violators responsible, respectively.
East Cleveland Interim Mayor Sandra Morgan believes the cleanup marks the beginning of a new era.
“Cleaning up this site marks more than just the end of an environmental hazard – it symbolizes a fresh start for this neighborhood and the City of East Cleveland,” said Morgan. “This remediation clears the way for new opportunities, renewed pride, and the chance to move forward together, while standing as a testament to our commitment to restoring and reclaiming our community.”
