East Cleveland, Ohio – Cuyahoga Land Bank and Loiter are pleased to announce they have settled their dueling lawsuits concerning the Mickey’s Building in East Cleveland, Ohio. Upon reflection, both parties realized that an amicable solution was achievable and in everyone’s best interest. With the disputes behind them, Cuyahoga Land Bank and Loiter are eager to work together again for the benefit of the residents of East Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.
In a joint statement, representatives of both parties expressed optimism about the future. “We are pleased to have reached a resolution that allows us to move forward and focus on our shared goals,” Cuyahoga Land Bank President & CEO Ricardo Leon said. “We believe that by collaborating creatively and working toward sustainable solutions, the Land Bank and Loiter can achieve meaningful progress and make a lasting difference.”
Ismail Samad, Founder of Loiter, further explained: “Beyond great food and a relaxing space to hang out as a hub for community wealth and health, Loiter represents a space to engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue on the present effects of historic and systemic racism and redlining. We believe that the Cuyahoga Land Bank understands that community voices cannot be excluded if we are to collectively move towards economic justice. We are glad to count on them as partners in advocating for a healthier and wealthier future for East Clevelanders.”
The parties will be announcing more details about their upcoming initiatives in the coming months.
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The Cuyahoga Land Bank is a private, non-profit, government-purposed entity formed following passage of Ohio Senate Bill 353 in 2009, which granted county land banks the special community development powers needed to improve neighborhoods. The mission of the Cuyahoga Land Bank is to strategically acquire properties, return them to productive use, reduce blight, increase property values, support community goals and improve the quality of life for county residents. Now in its 15th year, the Cuyahoga Land Bank has several initiatives specifically designed to support the revitalization of Northeast Ohio communities, including, Realty Reimagined (a nonprofit real estate brokerage) Land Bank Charities and the Cleveland Site Readiness Fund (an economic development community land assembly tool).