Revitalizing the Coventry Business District
The Coventry Village business district needs a revitalization. After years of decline, Coventry needs the Cleveland Heights government to step up and lead a coordinated, cooperative, and collaborative plan to forge a new path forward for this critical business and cultural district in our city.
The State of Coventry Village Today
The Coventry Village business district has been in decline for years. The signs of this include:
There are 18 vacant storefronts. Landlords are not providing high-quality, well-maintained commercial spaces and charge too much for what is offered; they also do not give enough effort to fill their properties. Plus, there is a need for more support and resources for small and fledgling businesses.
Public infrastructure needs maintenance and care. The City-owned parking garage is in poor condition. The elevator is unreliable and unpleasant to be in, and the graffiti needs to be removed, with measures put in place to try to prevent future vandalism.
Pedestrians don’t always feel safe. Parking and traffic codes need to be enforced consistently, the street should be redesigned to accommodate pedestrians’ and cyclists’ safety, and a culture of care for pedestrians and cyclists needs to be nurtured.
The Coventry community needs a greater diversity of businesses. Residents and merchants want to see more businesses move in to provide a wide range of goods and services, both needed (quality grocery and basic household goods) and wanted (cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and more). More businesses of all kinds will attract more people to visit and explore the district.
The Cleveland Heights government needs to:
invest in repairing and maintaining our own public infrastructure,
work with the Coventry Village Special Improvement District (CVSID) to develop strategies for regulating commercial landlords so as to incentivize filling storefronts with the businesses the community wants and needs,
devote resources to ensure the safety and comfort of all people within the district at all times, and
provide support and resources to small and new businesses to help them thrive within the Coventry Village community.
Charting a New Path Forward
More than just fixing basic problems, we also need a new vision for a revitalized district that meets the needs of the surrounding community and draws visitors—and their dollars—from near and far.
But this vision should not be created in a closed room, with only a few, select people at the table. It needs to reflect the diversity and creativity of the Coventry community, and that can only happen through real, meaningful community engagement.
We need input—early and often—from long-time business owners, community groups, and surrounding residents. And this requires leadership that facilitates productive, inclusive dialogue and serves as a source of necessary information to help stakeholders build consensus.
It Takes a Village
The decline of Coventry Village is due to many factors. Likewise, its revitalization needs many people, groups, and organizations working together in a spirit of collaboration and cooperation.
The district needs investment, support, and resources. And there is a lot that the Cleveland Heights government can be doing to revitalize Coventry Village, such as:
Our Planning and Economic Development Department should:
ramp up its support, resources, and guidance for the local businesses struggling to survive and grow;
work with Coventry’s SID, merchants, and surrounding residents to clarify a vision for the future of the district and then develop a plan to bring that vision into reality; and
collaborate with local nonprofits and other community organizations to align strategies for placemaking and to maximize available assistance for small businesses, especially minority- and women-owned businesses, which comprise the majority of the businesses in Coventry!
Our city’s Communications Department should:
advise and coordinate the marketing and communications strategies for everyone involved in this work and
promote the district and its businesses in every way possible.
Our City Council and Mayor should:
engage with area business owners to better understand how our current codes, regulations, and policies are affecting their ability to prosper—then pass legislation to amend our codes and develop more programs to make our city as small-business friendly as we can be;
improve other vital infrastructure necessary for a thriving Coventry Village, including investing in the City-owned parking garage, increasing walkability and bike-ability, developing our local workforce, and ensuring public safety;
work together and with local nonprofits to attract more people from around and outside Cleveland Heights to visit and spend time (and money!)—focusing on investing in amenities such as community events, quality outdoor and community spaces, cultural offerings, public art, and more.
The Role of Council Members in Shaping the Future of Coventry Village
I know I’m only one person. I can’t control what other people do. But as your City Council member:
I seek input from community members and bring that input into discussions with my fellow Council members and our mayor.
I advocate for collaboration with SIDs, business owners, and community groups to find solutions to issues and opportunities for innovation.
I research strategies used in other communities—local and beyond—to drive placemaking that meets residents’ needs, supports a thriving small-business ecosystem, nurtures community culture, and attracts visitors.
I encourage, expect, and practice open communication and transparency.
I strive to build cooperative relationships by leading with a spirit of trust, generosity, and respect for all.
As your Council member, I am committed to working with my colleagues on Council and the mayor to give the Coventry Village business district the focus, support, and investment it needs to become the vital economic magnet that it should be.
