Min. Dale Edwards Executive Director Call and Post
CLEVELAND — In a dramatic turn of events, Blaine Griffin, the President of the Cleveland City Council, has publicly challenged Justin Bibb, the Mayor of Cleveland, over the recently announced settlement with Cleveland Browns and the city that would unlock the team’s move to a new stadium in Brook Park.
Griffin asserts that the deal, which was unveiled by Mayor Bibb and the Browns’ ownership earlier this month, must not move forward without greater council oversight, transparency and explicit approval of key contract and legal terms.
The Settlement At a Glance
- On October 14, the city and the Browns’ owners agreed in principle to a $100-million settlement that clears legal obstacles tied to the team’s move from downtown Cleveland toward a new $2.4 billion domed stadium in suburban Brook Park.
- The settlement includes the Browns paying the city $25 million by December 1, a schedule of annual payments spanning 2029 to 2033, demolition of the existing lakefront stadium, and collaboration on infrastructure tied to the new site.
- The mayor has noted the Council must approve certain aspects of the deal, including donations, transfers and demolition authorizations.
Griffin’s Objections: “Pump the Brakes”
According to recent reports, Council President Griffin has taken several concrete steps to delay or modify the deal:
- He has issued a memo to fellow council members instructing the city’s Law Director not to dismiss any of the pending lawsuits against the Browns without full council approval.
- Griffin is convening a hearing for council members and mayoral negotiators to answer detailed questions about the settlement’s structure, its implications for downtown Cleveland, taxpayer risk and the enforceability of the terms.
- He argues that the deal threatens to divert economic activity from downtown and the lakefront — assets that the city has prioritized under Mayor Bibb’s “Shore-to-Core-to-Shore” vision.
In his remarks, Griffin said, “This discussion must proceed with the utmost urgency to secure the best possible agreement for the residents of Cleveland. We must proceed collaboratively and with a unified front as we move toward a resolution on this matter.”
Mayor Bibb Responds
Mayor Bibb’s office has emphasized that the settlement is a “monumental public-private partnership” poised to accelerate Cleveland’s lakefront redevelopment and deliver a world-class stadium experience.
However, he also acknowledged that council approval is required for specific items — meaning the process is not yet finalized.
What’s at Stake
Downtown & Lakefront Redevelopment: The lakefront parcel where the current stadium stands has long been earmarked for major redevelopment. The Browns’ move could open the way — but also shift jobs and tax revenue away from Cleveland’s core.
Taxpayer Risk & Legal Connections: The settlement still requires detailed scrutiny over who bears the cost for infrastructure, demolition, and what happens if the new stadium is delayed or derailed. Council’s insistence on preserving lawsuits suggests concern over the city losing leverage.
Timing & Process: While the mayor has moved swiftly to bring the settlement to light, the council’s pushback introduces significant uncertainty. The hearing convened by Griffin may uncover renegotiation or adjustments before the deal comes before the full council.
What Happens Next
- A formal council hearing is set with the mayor’s negotiating team in attendance.
- Legislation must be introduced to authorize the donations, property transfers and demolition plans. Council may demand amendments.
- If council approval is withheld or delayed, the settlement could be renegotiated — potentially delaying the Browns’ timeline or altering the city’s role.
- Citizens and watchdog groups will be watching for transparency around the stadium-deal terms, taxpayer protections and downtown vs. suburban economic trade-offs.
Bottom Line
What had been presented as a breakthrough deal between the city and the Browns now faces a serious roadblock. Council President Blaine Griffin’s demand for deeper accountability and control signals that the settlement will not be rubber-stamped. As Cleveland stands at a crossroads between major economic development and institutional caution, the coming weeks will determine whether the stadium deal strengthens the city — or becomes yet another fight over public resources, sports franchises and civic trust.
