Cuyahoga County Council members on Tuesday listened to more than an hour of testimony on a plan to use public money to help renovate Quicken Loans Arena.
During a standing-room only meeting,the 11 council members heard dozens of statements about its plan to float a $140 million bond to help pay for upgrades to the 20-year-old stadium. Many speakers came from Greater Cleveland Congregations, which wants council to shift its financial priorities to Cleveland’s poorer neighborhoods. But Norman Edwards, of the Black Contractors Group, urged county officials to pass the proposal. He said Cavs owner Dan Gilbert has already helped county residents, by employing minority and women contractors and construction workers.
“I met Dan Gilbert 8 years ago, and he promised me he would have a minimum of 30 percent black, minority and women contractors on any project he owned in the Greater Cleveland Cuyahoga County area." Edwards said. "Guess what? Mr Gilbert far exceeded that goal. He is a man of his word.”
Other supporters included owners of area restaurants and business that depend on Q events for customers.
The council will vote on the proposal when it meets next Tuesday.