cleveland ministry files appeal after judge blocks construction of youth dropin center in ohio city

Plans for a youth drop-in center to help young people experiencing homelessness are causing quite the stir in Ohio City. While Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry aims to close a gap on unmet needs, a Cuyahoga County judge has rejected the project for zoning reasons. On Tuesday, LLM held a press conference with their project partners to discuss their grievances. LLM President and CEO and Maria Foschia says in March 2023, the Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals approved for the youth drop-in center to be built at the Lutheran Family Services building at 4100 Franklin Blvd. Past estimates projected it would be a $1.5 million dollar renovation project with a first-year operating cost of $1.5 million. The drop-in center would offer coordinated essential services and resources to fulfill basic needs and social support for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. The project would close the gap on unmet needs of people ages 16 to 24 in Greater Cleveland who are experiencing housing instability. But on Dec. 2, 2024, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Brian Mooney reversed the BZA's decision. Per court documents, the judge said, "The Court agrees that the City of Cleveland Needs a Youth Drop-in Center," but that LLM can "place a Youth-Drop-in Center in a different neighborhood zoned for such activity ... Clearly, the district was zoned to be a residential neighborhood." LLM wholeheartedly disagrees, and filed an appeal against the decision on Dec. 31. "Young people should not receive services in impoverished or industrial sites," Foschia said. "They deserve to be in a diverse neighborhood with all types of people and services so they can thrive. They seek safety, resources, and a sense of belonging, just like you and I. We know this is the right place to provide a safe, supportive environment for youth and offer them stability, self-determination, and hope." Kaitor Kay reports: https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/cleveland-ministry-appeal-judge-blocks-youth-drop-in-center-ohio-city/95-7b529abb-7509-4f39-bbd6-3d9274bafe49 -- At 3News, we’re not here to tell you the news, we’re here to share the stories that you say matter most to you. Share your ideas, thoughts, concerns and engage in conversations about the communities in which we all call home. Follow 3News on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wkyc.channel3/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wkyc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wkyc3/ Visit our site: https://www.wkyc.com/ And be sure to download our app here: https://wkyc.com/app