WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH – Today, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement regarding the derailment of The Q public private partnership renovation project:

“This is a disappointing day in Cleveland's history.  The Q Project would have been very, very good for the city, its neighborhoods and all of its residents.

The Greater Cleveland Congregations' opposition to this good project was extremely misguided.   I am deeply concerned that this small group of people have derailed the project, along with its thousands of jobs, the extension of the Cavs' lease, and the NBA All-Star week and its projected $100 million economic impact. 

I am also concerned about the long-term implications of this type of politicking.  Their strong-arm tactics have no place in good community organizing, and, to the contrary, could have a chilling effect on future, cooperative economic development efforts in Cleveland. 

The Cavaliers were offering a very good package that would have guaranteed that The Q would remain a competitive venue for many years to come. The Q is an undisputed economic asset for Cleveland – it generates jobs and millions of tax dollars annually that are used to provide services to the city’s neighborhoods. 

The arena, which is publicly owned, needs to be upgraded to remain competitive. This was our opportunity via a public-private partnership.  Without an upgrade, I am concerned that The Q will eventually become a second-class venue, with fewer events and, therefore, fewer jobs and tax revenues.  That hurts all of Cleveland, and the Cavaliers’ future.” 

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