Just months after a contentious public battle over the future of the Browns stadium, an unexpected alliance has formed that could reshape Cleveland’s waterfront for generations.
How Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam and Mayor Justin Bibb have gone from courtroom adversaries to partners in one of the most ambitious civic projects in the city’s history was the focus of the Today in Ohio podcast Thursday.
“Just months ago, they were fighting each other like cats. Now they’re working together on a big moment,” said Chris Quinn.
The Haslams are using their considerable Republican connections in Washington to help fast-track the closure of Burke Lakefront Airport—a goal Mayor Bibb has pursued since his campaign days.
“Multiple sources told us that the Browns owners are actually helping Cleveland make inroads in Washington, where their relationships with key Republicans, up to and including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, give Bibb access he just doesn’t have on his own,” Leila Atassi said. “There was one insider who told Sean McDonald that it’s as simple as relationships. Jimmy Haslam can text people in the White House, basically, and Cleveland just can’t.”
The alliance, formed after the $100 million settlement ended the stadium dispute, could accelerate a closure that would otherwise take until the late 2030s to accomplish. At stake are 450 waterfront acres that could be transformed from an underutilized airport into something far more beneficial for the city and region.
While some listeners might be skeptical of the Haslams’ motives, Quinn emphasized during the podcast that this isn’t about financial gain: “They have no financial interest in this. They won’t make any money on it. They are committed to the lakefront.”
The podcast highlighted how the Haslams have already demonstrated this commitment. “We were not having serious conversations about the lakefront until they stepped forward, spent a million dollars, and sat down with Frank Jackson and said, look, here are some thoughts about doing it,” Quinn noted.
Atassi pointed out that this political assistance represents “one very powerful parting gift that they can give Cleveland that won’t cost them a dime.” She added, “that is a real show of goodwill. I am really impressed that they pitched in like this.”
The podcast discussion also touched on the challenges ahead, particularly from City Council. Some members, including Charles Slife, are already expressing caution. Quinn expressed frustration at this hesitation: “I was stunned by because he’s a forward thinking guy on council and I was stunned by him putting the brakes on… Cleveland always puts the brakes on. We never do the ‘can do.’ This is it. This is a big moment and it won’t come again.”
The hosts noted that for 16 years before Bibb took office, former Mayor Frank Jackson refused to entertain any discussion about closing Burke. That means now might be the only moment Cleveland gets to complete the deed.
“I think it’s going to be something we’ll be talking about a lot in 2026,” Quinn said.
Listen to full “Today in Ohio” episodes where Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with Editorial Board member Lisa Garvin, Impact Editor Leila Atassi and Content Director Laura Johnston.