West 25th Street Community Transformation
By Jamie Cetrone | Categories: | Comments Off on West 25th Street Community Transformation
MetroHealth’s mission is a healthier community. In addition to good health care, for individuals and families to become healthier they need affordable and safe housing, access to fresh nourishing food, and employment. MetroHealth is taking steps to revitalize the neighborhood surrounding the hospital campus. As MetroHealth embarks on a multi-million-dollar campus transformation that includes a new hospital, it is focusing on the growth of residential, commercial, and retail development in the area. The five-year goal is to revitalize the neighborhood to attract new residents and commerce by improving public transportation, offering a mix of moderate and market rate housing, and stimulating job growth so current residents can move on up, not out.
The largest concentration of Hispanics in Ohio is in the neighborhoods surrounding MetroHealth Medical Center, and median incomes are close to the federal poverty level for most families. MetroHealth, a primary anchor in the community, is the largest employer on the west side of Cleveland. To accelerate revitalization, MetroHealth is creating the CCH Development Corporation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), which will secure funding from private and public sources. It will acquire land and other assets, construct residential and commercial buildings, own and manage real estate, and have the authority to form legal partnerships with private and public entities.
Many hospital departments, such as Arts in Medicine, Aamoth Family Wellness Center, and specific specialties will provide programs and care to enhance lives and ensure better health. MetroHealth also is working with private, governmental, and nonprofit partners to promote economic and community development.
The economic and community development activities will contribute to population health. There will be “placemaking” enhancements to improve the quality of life of residents and those who come to work, visit, shop, and play in the West 25th Street neighborhood.