Latest news with #BrookPark
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Browns owners close on $25 million home after Ohio gives them $600 million for new stadium
After the state of Ohio gave Jimmy and Dee Haslam $600 million for the proposed move of the Cleveland Browns to Brook Park, the couple purchased a $25 million North Palm Beach, Fla. mansion three days later, according to reports. The oceanfront home is 5,906 square feet on 1.1 acres of land. It was purchased through Dee Haslam's Knox-Main Trust. Advertisement The home, which was built in 1971, was purchased in an off-market sale. It was previously sold in 1990 for $3.2 million. It's inside the gated Lost Tree Village neighborhood. In a situation that's been controversial, the optics of such a move cannot be considered ideal. The Haslam Sports Group received a gift from the state in the recently passed budget bill. And, yes, it's basically a gift that won't have to be repaid, contrary to reports that said that tax revenues from the proposed entertainment district with a domed stadium as its centerpiece, would replace monies taken from the state's unclaimed funds account. Advertisement In the budget the Republican-dominated state legislature established a Sports and Cultural Facility Fund with monies from holdings in the unclaimed funds account. Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam watches his team during practice at NFL minicamp, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. reported that the $600 million will not have to be repaid. The Haslam Sports Group was only required to put $100 million in escrow to cover potential stadium shortfalls. If there are no shortfalls, that money will be returned. That gift could face obstacles as two former Democratic members of the legislature have filed a class-action suit on behalf of three individuals to halt the transfer of funds in Franklin County Court. Advertisement No one should tell anyone how or when to spend their money, but... George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns owners Jimmy, Dee Haslam close on $25 million Florida mansion
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Haslams grateful for ‘responsible way to support' Browns stadium funding after budget signed
This story has been updated with further comments. Gov. Mike DeWine opened the door for the Browns to fulfill their move to a proposed new stadium in Brook Park when he signed into law Ohio's two-year budget shortly before midnight June 30. That budget included $600 million to go to the funding of the $2.4 billion stadium project. Advertisement 'We respect the firm commitment and leadership that Governor DeWine, and the Ohio Senate and House have shown in their collaborative work to find a responsible way to support such a transformative project, one that will create a generational impact for our region and the State," Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam said in a July 1 statement from the team. "Our fans deserve a world-class facility, and we are committed to building a state-of-the-art enclosed stadium that resonates with Cleveland, highlighting our loyal and passionate fans and the Dawg Pound, while also incorporating innovation, bold design, and an immersive experience. The new enclosed Huntington Bank Field will be completely fan-centric, a first-of-its-kind design in the NFL, and a dynamic venue that draws visitors from across Ohio and beyond, for concerts and significant sporting events throughout the year. "This premiere facility will anchor a major lifestyle and entertainment development and be a catalyst for one of Northeast Ohio's largest economic development projects ever and something our community will be proud of and can enjoy for years to come. We appreciate the support of State leaders and their belief in this transformative project.' The Browns' lease with the city of Cleveland for its current lakefront stadium, which was built in 1999 when the expansion team began playing, expires after the 2028 season. The team is planning to begin play at the new stadium in Brook Park in 2029. Advertisement Cleveland mayor Justin M. Bibb released a statement on social media. "We are deeply disappointed that the final state budget includes both a $600 million public subsidy for a domed stadium in Brook Park and changes to Ohio's Modell Law — provisions we strongly opposed and requested be removed," Bibb's statement said. "Relocating the Browns will divert economic activity from downtown, create a competing entertainment district, and disrupt the momentum of our lakefront redevelopment. It will also trigger substantial taxpayer-funded infrastructure upgrades — including highway reconfigurations and public safety enhancements — adding significant public costs on top of the stadium itself. We also remain firmly opposed to the changes in the Modell Law, which was enacted to protect communities that have made substantial public investments in their sports teams. Undermining this statute sets a troubling precedent and leaves cities like Cleveland with fewer tools to safeguard long-standing public assets. "We are embarking on a transformative journey to revitalize our lakefront into a thriving, accessible destination that inspires and unites our community," Bibb's statement continued. "For decades, Clevelanders have dreamed about the opportunity at our lakefront, and we want to deliver on that shared vision for the future. With major public investment, including $150M in state and federal grants, the city will deliver on transformational infrastructure that will unlock redevelopment opportunities and strengthen the waterfront's role in the region's future. We will continue to protect taxpayer resources and pursue this once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine our shoreline. Clevelanders deserve a world class lakefront, and we will deliver on that promise." The state budget includes a provision, originally proposed by the Ohio Senate, that gave the legislature control of $1.7 billion in unclaimed funds. It was within those funds that the $600 million was reserved for the new Browns stadium, while another $400 million is set aside for other stadium projects, including the Cincinnati Bengals' renovation of Paycor Stadium. Advertisement Those unclaimed funds come from a pool of $4.8 billion accumulated from abandoned paychecks and security deposits that haven't been claimed after a decade or longer. A legal challenge is still expected over the use of those funds. Former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann and former state Rep. Jeff Crossman announced June 25 they would immediately file a lawsuit in Franklin County Common Pleas Court if the plan passes. Haslam Sports Group chief operating officer David L. Jenkins offered up an explanation for the funds in a letter to the fans released on July 1. "The state's construct is a 'performance grant' towards the stadium that will be paid back with incremental revenue generated by the project above a current state revenue baseline," Jenkins' letter to the fans said of the funds. "There has been no ask by the Haslam Sports Group to pledge existing tax revenue streams that would take away from other pressing community needs to fund this project. This economic development project will not only pay back but also provide all stakeholders an additional return on their investment. The Haslam family is also providing the State additional protection in the form of significant up front private dollars that will be held in escrow to ensure the State is made whole on its investment in the unlikely event the project falls short of its projections." The budget also modified the Modell Law, the 1996 legislation passed after the original Browns moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens. The city of Cleveland had sued the Browns using the Modell Law as an attempt to keep them in the city limits, while the team had sued in federal court to challenge the constitutionality of the law. Advertisement The law restricts the movement of professional sports teams that use facilities paid for with taxpayer money. The alteration to the law maintains those restrictions on moves beyond Ohio's borders, while permitting it to other municipalities within the state. The Haslam Sports Group on June 27 closed its $76 million purchase of the 176 acres of land where the new stadium and entertainment district will be built. The site, formerly a Ford Motor Co. plant, is bordered by Snow Road to the south, Engle Road to the east and state route 237 to the west, and sits across the street from the airport, which is inside Cleveland city limits. The Browns are coming off a 3-14 season in 2024, their worst record since going 0-16 in 2017. Rookies report for training camp on July 18, with the veterans reporting on July 22 before the first full-squad practice on July 23. Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@ Read more about the Browns at Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ Advertisement This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio budget bill officially gives Browns $600 million for new stadium
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Browns owners close on $25 million home after Ohio gives them $600 million for new stadium
After the state of Ohio gave Jimmy and Dee Haslam $600 million for the proposed move of the Cleveland Browns to Brook Park, the couple purchased a $25 million North Palm Beach, Fla. mansion three days later, according to reports. The oceanfront home is 5,906 square feet on 1.1 acres of land. It was purchased through Dee Haslam's Knox-Main Trust. Advertisement The home, which was built in 1971, was purchased in an off-market sale. It was previously sold in 1990 for $3.2 million. It's inside the gated Lost Tree Village neighborhood. In a situation that's been controversial, the optics of such a move cannot be considered ideal. The Haslam Sports Group received a gift from the state in the recently passed budget bill. And, yes, it's basically a gift that won't have to be repaid, contrary to reports that said that tax revenues from the proposed entertainment district with a domed stadium as its centerpiece, would replace monies taken from the state's unclaimed funds account. Advertisement In the budget the Republican-dominated state legislature established a Sports and Cultural Facility Fund with monies from holdings in the unclaimed funds account. Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam watches his team during practice at NFL minicamp, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. reported that the $600 million will not have to be repaid. The Haslam Sports Group was only required to put $100 million in escrow to cover potential stadium shortfalls. If there are no shortfalls, that money will be returned. That gift could face obstacles as two former Democratic members of the legislature have filed a class-action suit on behalf of three individuals to halt the transfer of funds in Franklin County Court. Advertisement No one should tell anyone how or when to spend their money, but... George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns owners Jimmy, Dee Haslam close on $25 million Florida mansion
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I-Team: Judge rules on dismissal of Browns lawsuit
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The FOX 8 I-Team has learned a Cuyahoga County judge has denied the Cleveland Browns' motion to dismiss a case filed against them by the city of Cleveland and also declined a request to put the case on hold. Judge Lauren Moore ruled on the Browns case on Friday morning. Advertisement Driver trapped after slamming into fire truck at scene of another crash The city of Cleveland sued the Browns in January, saying the team is restricted from moving due to the 'Modell Law.' However, last month, the state legislature reworked the Modell Law saying teams can move as long as they do not leave the state of Ohio. The Browns asked to wait until the federal case is resolved. But since that case is on hold indefinitely, the judge dismissed that request as moot. The Browns also argued the case was 'unripe,' meaning the city had not yet been negatively impacted by the Browns' move. But the judge ruled the Browns' plan to move out of Cleveland to Brook Park is already a done deal. Advertisement The ruling reads in part: The Browns have made it clear that they will not fulfill their contractual duties with the city. The Browns have given notice to the city that they intend to move, they have finalized the purchase of 167 acres of land in the city of Brook Park, they have given formal notice to the city that they are leaving, they have engaged in frequent strategy and planning meeting with the mayor of Brook Park, they have entered into a partnership with a contractor for the purpose of constructing a new stadium and they are procuring financing. The reality is that the move is not a 'contingent future event.' The Browns have unequivocally announced that it is their intention to leave the Huntington Bank [Field] and they are moving forward with plans to depart from Cleveland to Brook Park. The issue of the Browns leaving the city of Cleveland is [no] longer hypothetical. Judge Lauren Moore's July 11 opinion and judgment entry Following the ruling, Cleveland Law Director Mark Griffin issued a statement to the I-Team that read: 'We appreciate Judge Moore's diligence in thoughtfully applying the law and look forward to further addressing the merits of our case in her court.' Woman stabbed to death on Cleveland's west side A spokesperson for the Browns said in a statement the organization is complying with the obligations of its downtown stadium lease, which expires in 2029, and that it remains focused on building the new 'world-class' enclosed stadium in Brook Park. 'We are as confident as ever in our legal position and look forward to a prompt resolution of the city's meritless claims,' the statement reads. Advertisement The I-Team has also learned Brook Park has applied for about $80 million in state money for road projects around the dome site. Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said he predicts major traffic headaches around the airport once the Browns start playing in Brook Park. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
I-TEAM: Browns fire back in federal court after ruling in dome case
[WATCH: Previous, related coverage from the I-Team.] CLEVELAND (WJW) — The Fox 8 I- TEAM has found a new filing in federal court by the Cleveland Browns asking to move ahead on their lawsuit against Cleveland in the hope of clearing a path to move to Brook Park. Advertisement The Browns filed the lawsuit in federal court in October seeking clarity on the Modell Law, which originally restricted sports teams from moving. The Browns want the Modell Law declared unconstitutional. Browns' rookie jailed on battery charge out on bond The City of Cleveland asked the federal judge on June 27 to 'hold deadlines in abeyance' and issue a stay in the federal case. The city's motion was filed a short time after state lawmakers made an amendment to the Modell Law allowing sports teams to move as long as they stay in Ohio. The federal court granted the stay, but the Browns now say, in a federal motion filed July 10, that the city is still trying to enforce the Modell Law in county court. 'The 'harm or threatened harm underlying the dispute' is the city's active effort to enforce the Modell Law against the Browns,' the motion states. The amendment does not eliminate that harm because the City continues to prosecute its enforcement suit in state court— the very conduct that the Browns challenge as unlawful in this action. And the City has neither acted nor indicated any intention to cease its effort to enforce the Modell Law and dismiss that suit. Far from ceding any claim under the prior version of the Modell Law, the City's motion reveals the City's intent to pursue such claims. The attorneys for the Browns also argue that the city has not satisfied the standard for imposing such a stay, and the Browns say a lengthy delay in the case could be detrimental. Advertisement Woman stabbed to death in front yard 'The Browns do not just need relief at some point—they need it soon,' the motion states. The Browns brought this suit last year, in 2024, because obtaining the financing and approvals necessary to develop a new stadium in Brook Park, let alone the construction itself, will take years. Prompt resolution of the Browns' claims is critical because the Browns must take action now to have any hope of building a new stadium in Brook Park by the time their current lease expires and before the 2029 NFL season begins. The Browns plan to build an enclosed stadium and move to Brook Park at the end of their lease on the lakefront after the 2028 season. The Browns and the City are battling in federal court and the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. Friday, a county judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the City against the Browns. And, the city just asked the county judge for an order blocking the Browns from taking any steps at all toward moving to a dome. The latest filing by the city now accuses the Browns of breaching their contract with the city, even though the team plans to stay in Huntington Bank Field on the lakefront until the end of the lease. Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
