Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne Letter To FAA
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WKYC.comCuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne Letter To FAA
Uploaded by
WKYC.comCuyahoga County
Chris Ronayne
Cuyahoga County Executive
July 9, 2025
Wayne Heibeck
Deputy Associate Administrator for Airports
The Federal Aviation Administration Headquarters
800 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20591
RE: Cuyahoga County request for briefing with the Federal Aviation Administration regarding the
impacts of a proposed stadium and mixed-use development in Brook Park, Ohio adjacent to
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Dear Mr. Heibeck,
I am writing to you in my capacity as County Executive of Cuyahoga County in reference to the
Haslam Sports Group’s proposal to construct a domed stadium and mixed-use development in
Brook Park, Ohio. I am seeking clarification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
concerning potential impacts on air tra?ic operations at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
(Hopkins). To date, the impacts around this proposed development are not clear to local leaders.
The State of Ohio recently approved $600 million in state funding to support a stadium and mixed-
use development, adjacent to the airspace and infrastructure of Hopkins. While the legislative
process for this funding played out without the County’s concurrence, Cuyahoga County remains
committed to the interests and safety of our citizens and our visitors. Should the proposed stadium
and mixed-use development proceed, it raises several pressing concerns:
1. Has the FAA been formally engaged as it pertains to the development site’s proximity to the
airport’s takeo? and landing corridors?
2. What, if any, risk assessments have been conducted or are planned to determine the
impact of large-scale, high-attendance events on air tra?ic operations, particularly during
peak flight hours?
3. How would the FAA’s policies regarding security zones, noise exposure, and emergency
access apply to a stadium located so close to a commercial air hub?
We respectfully request a formal briefing between the FAA and Cuyahoga County to discuss these
questions and better understand the involvement and guidance of the FAA to date.
2079 East Ninth Street | Cleveland, Ohio 44115 | 216-668-6400 | www.cuyahogacounty.gov
I look forward to your timely response and working collaboratively to ensure the continued safety
and vitality of Cuyahoga County and the Northeast Ohio region. Thank you for your attention to this
critical matter.
Sincerely,
Chris Ronayne
Cuyahoga County Executive
CC:
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
Mayor Justin Bibb, City of Cleveland
Mayor Ed Orcutt, City of Brook Park
Mayor Bill Schneider, City of Fairview Park
Mayor Matt Castelli, City of Middleburg Heights,
Mayor Tom Perciak, City of Strongsville
Mayor Tim DeGeeter, City of Parma
Mayor Marie Gallo, City of Parma Heights
Mayor Nicole Daily-Jones, City of North Olmsted
Cuyahoga County Council President Dale Miller
NOACA Executive Director Grace Gallucci
Bryant Francis, Director Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
State Senator Tom Patton
State Senator Nickie Antonio
State Senator Jerry Cirino
State Representative Bride Rose Sweeney
State Representative Sean Brennan
State Representative Tristan Rader
State Representative Chris Glassburn
State Representative Darnell Brewer
State Representative Juanita Brent
