Long-lamented jersey barriers at Public Square would be removed under Bibb’s plan

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Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb announced today he plans to introduce legislation to Cleveland City Council to remove the “temporary” jersey barriers at Public Square – today is their 5th anniversary, apparently – and replace them with removable bollards. The legislation would provide up to $1.5 million from the capital budget for removal, repair and redesign work, according to a press release. If it passes, it would also check off another Bibb campaign promise.

“Public Square should be the people’s park but for too long, jersey barriers have got in the way,” Mayor Bibb said in a statement. “Today, my administration is taking the first step towards removing these barriers and restoring Public Square to its original intent – to serve as a meeting place in the heart of our city.”

The jersey barriers were in some ways the most visible public symbol of what some saw as the intractability of making change in the Jackson administration. When the $50 million, six-acre re-do of Public Square first opened in 2016, just in time for the Republican National Convention, at first the roadway was closed and buses were diverted around the square. Then, when the federal government threatened to claw back $12 million in federal transit funding, the city changed its tune. After the road reopened, the jersey barriers were installed in order to prevent “weaponized vehicles” from coming into the square, but to many people, they marred the beauty of the newly redone square.

According to the release, the legislation would replace the jersey barriers with bollards that would ensure safety while also allowing the city to remove them for public events. The legislation would further authorize the Group Plan Commission, which is responsible for events and other activities on the square, to enter into a contract to plan and build the improvements.

“I applaud the Mayor for taking quick and decisive action to remove the jersey barriers from Public Square,” said Ward 3 council member Kerry McCormack. “These unnecessary and intrusive barriers have compromised the beauty and function of the people’s square. This legislation will ensure our Public Square thrives as a welcoming place for all Clevelanders for many years to come.”

Bibb’s office says it will cost about $3 million to re-do the barriers. RTA is also apparently considering an investment. The Group Plan Commission, which is responsible for programming and maintenance of the square, is trying to raise additional funds.

“We will connect with our funding partners in hopes of closing the gap, finishing the job we started, and making Superior what it was intended to be for the enjoyment of our community,” said Tony Coyne, chair of the Group Plan Commission.

Contact Mayor Bibb’s administration here and sign up for updates from Cleveland City Council here.

Lee Chilcote is the executive director of The Land