{"id":66,"date":"2025-07-29T00:14:53","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T00:14:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/?post_type=chapter&p=66"},"modified":"2025-08-05T11:02:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T11:02:16","slug":"stakeholders-their-roles-in-the-redevelopment-process","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/chapter\/stakeholders-their-roles-in-the-redevelopment-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Stakeholders & Their Roles in the Redevelopment Process"},"content":{"raw":"Redeveloping the Van Aken District required a multi-party partnership. Each group had a distinct role to play, but the project\u2019s success depended on their ability to coordinate and stay aligned over many years.\r\n\r\nThe Developer<\/em>\r\n\r\nNothing is more important to the success of the project than having a good developer. The developer is responsible for providing the project\u2019s major capital investment, designing and constructing the project, and operating the project to make sure it\u2019s successful. We have already noted that Shaker Heights was fortunate in its developer, a Ratner family partnership called RMS<\/a>. RMS already owned the majority of the property in what was to become the Van Aken District. It then acquired the balance of the property needed for the development. As former Shaker Heights Mayor Earl Leiken who worked closely with the developer stated, \u201cThe remarkable quality of the fully constructed Van Aken District development and its success in attracting businesses, residents, and customers exceeded all of our expectations.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe Mayor<\/em>\r\n\r\nThree mayors oversaw different aspects of the project: Judy Rawson helped launch the early vision and planning efforts, Earl Leiken led the city through major infrastructure work, the deal with the developer, and the funding for the project, and David Weiss helped guide the project\u2019s completion and future phases.\r\n\r\nAll three mayors brought substantive legal and civic experience to their roles. Judy Rawson previously served as assistant director of law for the City of Cleveland. Earl Leiken, a former partner at the law firm Baker Hostetler, also served on the Shaker Heights board of education and city council. As mayor, he guided the city through the 2007 to 2009 economic recession and helped the city maintain its AAA bond rating, one of the few in Northeast Ohio. David Weiss, also an attorney, was a partner at McDonald Hopkins before holding executive roles at DDR Corporation, a major real estate investment firm, where he served as executive vice president and general counsel.\r\n\r\nAn important part of city officials\u2019 work is attracting a good developer and working in close cooperation with them to achieve a successful outcome. Shaker Heights worked closely with RMS in all aspects of the project, from their early agreements to the attraction of tenants to construction. While the mayor participates in these activities, other officials play important roles as well.\r\n\r\nCity Council<\/em>\r\n\r\nProjects such as the Van Aken District cannot succeed without the support of city council. Why? Because city council must provide necessary funding and approve all contracts and agreements. In the case of the Van Aken District, city council members were included in all public meetings, and the mayor and all key members of the city staff kept council members informed at each stage of the development.\r\n\r\nPlanning Director & the City Planning Department<\/em>\r\n\r\nJoyce Braverman served as the city\u2019s planning director throughout the Van Aken redevelopment project. She led the community visioning process, facilitated public design workshops, and developed the planning documents that guided zoning, street design, and other land use decisions. Braverman also ensured that the developer\u2019s plans matched the city\u2019s goals and design standards. Her understanding of both community values and transit-oriented development helped shape a project that reflects Shaker Heights\u2019 identity.\r\n\r\nBraverman was supported by the city\u2019s planning department<\/a> staff, who carried out much of the technical and coordination work needed to move the project forward. In projects like these, staff often draft zoning amendments, review site plans, prepare materials for public meetings, and work with consultants and other city departments to align infrastructure, transportation, and design elements.\r\n\r\nNote: Joyce Braverman earned her Master of Public Administration from CSU.\r\n\r\nPlanning Commission & Zoning Appeals Board<\/em>\r\n\r\nTwo additional groups affiliated with most cities play important regulatory roles in the redevelopment process: planning commissions and boards of zoning appeals. These citizen-led bodies help cities manage land use and development by reviewing project proposals, approving site plans, and considering exceptions to zoning requirements. In Shaker Heights, the planning commission and zoning board consist of the same five members: the mayor, a city councilmember, and three appointed residents.\r\n\r\nIn general, planning commissions and zoning appeals boards have the authority to block or delay projects. As you\u2019ll read in the section on Planning & Zoning Changes Enabling the Project<\/a>, their work in this case helped move the project forward in ways that aligned with community goals and legal requirements.\r\n\r\nEconomic Development Director<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe economic development director, who was Tania Menesse during most of Phase 1, contributed much to the project. She worked closely with the developer, the mayor, and the city\u2019s lawyers in the creation of the agreements that made the development possible. Furthermore, she assisted the developer in recruiting tenants. She met with prospective businesses to promote the site and used the city\u2019s vision fund to pay for tenant improvements, which served as a recruitment incentive. The vision fund was later replenished by repayment of loans and\/or income tax payments after the tenants arrived.\r\n\r\nNote: Tania Menesse earned her Master of Urban Studies degree from CSU.\r\n\r\nFinance Officials<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe city\u2019s finance director, Bob Baker during Phase 1, provided the financial expertise to structure the project\u2019s public financing package including tax increment financing, county and state loans, and direct city contributions as well as loans through the Port Authority. This work ensured that public investment would lead to long term economic returns for the city and its residents. If you want to learn more about what the city\u2019s finance department does on a day-to-day basis, click here<\/a>.\r\n\r\nChief Administrative Officer & Administrative Staff<\/em>\r\n\r\nShaker Heights has a chief administrative officer, a position similar to a city manager, who oversees the city\u2019s daily operations. Jeri Chaikin served in this role throughout the entire Van Aken redevelopment process, which provided continuity across multiple mayors. In consultation with the mayor, she coordinated staff from different departments to keep the project moving forward.\r\n\r\nAs council clerk, she also helped set meeting agendas and guided the policymaking process related to the project. This included preparing materials for council discussions and making sure decisions were documented. Her work kept both the city\u2019s leadership and staff on the same page with regard to goals and next steps.\r\n\r\nNote: Jeri Chaikin holds a Master of Public Administration degree from CSU.\r\n\r\nFederal, State & County Governments<\/em>\r\n\r\nAn important part of achieving success with a significant city development project is the assistance that can be provided by higher levels of government, and the Van Aken District\u2019s success included support from federal, state, and county resources.\r\n\r\nThe city obtained federal funds as part of their initial street configuration work. State capital grants were also integral to the project, both for street configuration and other aspects of Phase 1. The planning department prepared the applications, and the mayor and economic development director met with officials to explain the project and secure support.\r\n\r\nCuyahoga County provided funds as well as the bulk of the public construction work in consultation with the city public works director, Patti Speese.\r\n\r\nArchitects & Construction Firms<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe city and RMS brought in an expert firm to help bring the vision to life. Bialosky Cleveland<\/a> served as the lead architectural firm. These firms worked with city staff and residents through design workshops to turn ideas into buildable plans. Their work helped ensure the final product was not only functional but beautiful and well-integrated into the community.\r\n\r\nTwo major construction firms built the Van Aken District. Marous Brothers Construction<\/a> managed the Phase 1 work, including the Upstairs at Van Aken apartments, retail, and office buildings. For Phase 2, Gilbane Building Company<\/a> led construction of the Raye Apartments. Both firms coordinated with RMS, architects, and city code inspectors to make sure the projects were built safely and up to the city\u2019s standards.\r\n\r\nLocal Community (Residents & Businesses)<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe people of Shaker Heights played an active role throughout the redevelopment process. Residents participated in planning workshops, public meetings, and design sessions. They offered ideas, raised concerns, and helped shape the district\u2019s look and feel. Their feedback led to the inclusion of features like public art, green space, and bike infrastructure. Some local businesses that gave input early on eventually became tenants in the new district.","rendered":"

Redeveloping the Van Aken District required a multi-party partnership. Each group had a distinct role to play, but the project\u2019s success depended on their ability to coordinate and stay aligned over many years.<\/p>\n

The Developer<\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing is more important to the success of the project than having a good developer. The developer is responsible for providing the project\u2019s major capital investment, designing and constructing the project, and operating the project to make sure it\u2019s successful. We have already noted that Shaker Heights was fortunate in its developer, a Ratner family partnership called RMS<\/a>. RMS already owned the majority of the property in what was to become the Van Aken District. It then acquired the balance of the property needed for the development. As former Shaker Heights Mayor Earl Leiken who worked closely with the developer stated, \u201cThe remarkable quality of the fully constructed Van Aken District development and its success in attracting businesses, residents, and customers exceeded all of our expectations.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The Mayor<\/em><\/p>\n

Three mayors oversaw different aspects of the project: Judy Rawson helped launch the early vision and planning efforts, Earl Leiken led the city through major infrastructure work, the deal with the developer, and the funding for the project, and David Weiss helped guide the project\u2019s completion and future phases.<\/p>\n

All three mayors brought substantive legal and civic experience to their roles. Judy Rawson previously served as assistant director of law for the City of Cleveland. Earl Leiken, a former partner at the law firm Baker Hostetler, also served on the Shaker Heights board of education and city council. As mayor, he guided the city through the 2007 to 2009 economic recession and helped the city maintain its AAA bond rating, one of the few in Northeast Ohio. David Weiss, also an attorney, was a partner at McDonald Hopkins before holding executive roles at DDR Corporation, a major real estate investment firm, where he served as executive vice president and general counsel.<\/p>\n

An important part of city officials\u2019 work is attracting a good developer and working in close cooperation with them to achieve a successful outcome. Shaker Heights worked closely with RMS in all aspects of the project, from their early agreements to the attraction of tenants to construction. While the mayor participates in these activities, other officials play important roles as well.<\/p>\n

City Council<\/em><\/p>\n

Projects such as the Van Aken District cannot succeed without the support of city council. Why? Because city council must provide necessary funding and approve all contracts and agreements. In the case of the Van Aken District, city council members were included in all public meetings, and the mayor and all key members of the city staff kept council members informed at each stage of the development.<\/p>\n

Planning Director & the City Planning Department<\/em><\/p>\n

Joyce Braverman served as the city\u2019s planning director throughout the Van Aken redevelopment project. She led the community visioning process, facilitated public design workshops, and developed the planning documents that guided zoning, street design, and other land use decisions. Braverman also ensured that the developer\u2019s plans matched the city\u2019s goals and design standards. Her understanding of both community values and transit-oriented development helped shape a project that reflects Shaker Heights\u2019 identity.<\/p>\n

Braverman was supported by the city\u2019s planning department<\/a> staff, who carried out much of the technical and coordination work needed to move the project forward. In projects like these, staff often draft zoning amendments, review site plans, prepare materials for public meetings, and work with consultants and other city departments to align infrastructure, transportation, and design elements.<\/p>\n

Note: Joyce Braverman earned her Master of Public Administration from CSU.<\/p>\n

Planning Commission & Zoning Appeals Board<\/em><\/p>\n

Two additional groups affiliated with most cities play important regulatory roles in the redevelopment process: planning commissions and boards of zoning appeals. These citizen-led bodies help cities manage land use and development by reviewing project proposals, approving site plans, and considering exceptions to zoning requirements. In Shaker Heights, the planning commission and zoning board consist of the same five members: the mayor, a city councilmember, and three appointed residents.<\/p>\n

In general, planning commissions and zoning appeals boards have the authority to block or delay projects. As you\u2019ll read in the section on Planning & Zoning Changes Enabling the Project<\/a>, their work in this case helped move the project forward in ways that aligned with community goals and legal requirements.<\/p>\n

Economic Development Director<\/em><\/p>\n

The economic development director, who was Tania Menesse during most of Phase 1, contributed much to the project. She worked closely with the developer, the mayor, and the city\u2019s lawyers in the creation of the agreements that made the development possible. Furthermore, she assisted the developer in recruiting tenants. She met with prospective businesses to promote the site and used the city\u2019s vision fund to pay for tenant improvements, which served as a recruitment incentive. The vision fund was later replenished by repayment of loans and\/or income tax payments after the tenants arrived.<\/p>\n

Note: Tania Menesse earned her Master of Urban Studies degree from CSU.<\/p>\n

Finance Officials<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The city\u2019s finance director, Bob Baker during Phase 1, provided the financial expertise to structure the project\u2019s public financing package including tax increment financing, county and state loans, and direct city contributions as well as loans through the Port Authority. This work ensured that public investment would lead to long term economic returns for the city and its residents. If you want to learn more about what the city\u2019s finance department does on a day-to-day basis, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Chief Administrative Officer & Administrative Staff<\/em><\/p>\n

Shaker Heights has a chief administrative officer, a position similar to a city manager, who oversees the city\u2019s daily operations. Jeri Chaikin served in this role throughout the entire Van Aken redevelopment process, which provided continuity across multiple mayors. In consultation with the mayor, she coordinated staff from different departments to keep the project moving forward.<\/p>\n

As council clerk, she also helped set meeting agendas and guided the policymaking process related to the project. This included preparing materials for council discussions and making sure decisions were documented. Her work kept both the city\u2019s leadership and staff on the same page with regard to goals and next steps.<\/p>\n

Note: Jeri Chaikin holds a Master of Public Administration degree from CSU.<\/p>\n

Federal, State & County Governments<\/em><\/p>\n

An important part of achieving success with a significant city development project is the assistance that can be provided by higher levels of government, and the Van Aken District\u2019s success included support from federal, state, and county resources.<\/p>\n

The city obtained federal funds as part of their initial street configuration work. State capital grants were also integral to the project, both for street configuration and other aspects of Phase 1. The planning department prepared the applications, and the mayor and economic development director met with officials to explain the project and secure support.<\/p>\n

Cuyahoga County provided funds as well as the bulk of the public construction work in consultation with the city public works director, Patti Speese.<\/p>\n

Architects & Construction Firms<\/em><\/p>\n

The city and RMS brought in an expert firm to help bring the vision to life. Bialosky Cleveland<\/a> served as the lead architectural firm. These firms worked with city staff and residents through design workshops to turn ideas into buildable plans. Their work helped ensure the final product was not only functional but beautiful and well-integrated into the community.<\/p>\n

Two major construction firms built the Van Aken District. Marous Brothers Construction<\/a> managed the Phase 1 work, including the Upstairs at Van Aken apartments, retail, and office buildings. For Phase 2, Gilbane Building Company<\/a> led construction of the Raye Apartments. Both firms coordinated with RMS, architects, and city code inspectors to make sure the projects were built safely and up to the city\u2019s standards.<\/p>\n

Local Community (Residents & Businesses)<\/em><\/p>\n

The people of Shaker Heights played an active role throughout the redevelopment process. Residents participated in planning workshops, public meetings, and design sessions. They offered ideas, raised concerns, and helped shape the district\u2019s look and feel. Their feedback led to the inclusion of features like public art, green space, and bike infrastructure. Some local businesses that gave input early on eventually became tenants in the new district.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":406,"menu_order":3,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-66","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":51,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/66","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/406"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/66\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":227,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/66\/revisions\/227"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/51"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/66\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=66"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=66"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=66"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/vanaken\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=66"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}