Read this article ad free here.
The Brecksville City Council approved the establishment of a Community Entertainment District (CED) for the Valor Acres development during their regular meeting on Tuesday evening, creating a pool of 14 potential liquor licenses restricted to that geographic area.
The ordinance, which passed with a 5-0 vote (with Council members Dan Bender and AJ Ganim recusing themselves due to conflicts of interest), is designed to attract high-quality restaurants and hospitality businesses to the mixed-use development.
“I view this as an important tool to attract the finest tenants we can,” said Council President Caruso, who noted his experience in the food and beverage industry. “This would be a critical part to really finalizing and getting potential restaurateurs to come.”
Attorney John Neal, who presented on behalf of the CED application dated January 31, 2025, explained that the district creates a separate pool of liquor licenses for qualifying businesses located within the development’s boundaries. This approach addresses the current issue where the city’s quota of standard liquor permits is exhausted.
“This does not just pop 14 liquor permits into a space,” Neal clarified. “This is merely an opportunity to apply for one and go through the regular processes.” He emphasized that the city would retain all existing controls, with applications still requiring planning commission and council approval.
The council also authorized an application fee for CED consideration, with the amount set to reimburse the city for costs incurred. Mayor Daryl Kingston had reported that fees in other municipalities range from zero in Westlake to $5,000 in Cleveland.
In other business, the council:
- Recognized Lieutenant Craig Mares upon his retirement after 34 years with the Brecksville Police Department
- Approved bids for culvert replacement projects on Sentinel Drive ($354,431) and Highland Drive ($467,170)
- Advanced plans for the Brecksville Road (State Route 21) resurfacing project
- Heard concerns from Log Cabin Court residents about erosion issues affecting their properties
- Discussed the Valor Acres development plan for the final piece of the CIC land, which will feature an office/lab user on approximately 21 acres
The meeting also included the announcement that East Wallings Road in neighboring Broadview Heights will be closed for approximately one year beginning April 7, affecting access to Interstate 77 southbound ramps.
The council will hold its next regular meeting on April 1, 2025.
