East 97th East 95th St. Pedestrian Connector & Garden

Project team

Head: Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation, Jay D. Gardner

Project description and goals

The project intends to sustain and augment an existing pedestrian corridor that has developed through vacant lots that sit between East 95th Street and East 97th Street. The main objective of the project is to better define the existing pedestrian pathway and beautify the surrounding area. In doing so, the Pedestrian Connector & Garden will promote green corridors in residential neighborhoods, land stewardship, and the conservation of water and resources. Additionally, the project will encourage exploration of the relationship between the built and natural environments.

Existing conditions

The East 97th and East 95th Street parcels (there are three in total) abut one another at the rear lot line a few parcels to the south of the midpoints between Cedar and Quebec. All three parcels have been vacant for five years or more and are currently in the City of Cleveland Land Bank. Over time, local residents have established a pedestrian pathway between the two streets. The East 95th Street parcels are somewhat barren of vegetation while the East 97th parcel has a number of mature trees that provide a canopy during the summer months. Combined, the three parcels have a land area of just over one quarter acre.

Proposed interventions

The project team plans to develop a sustainable pedestrian corridor and green space by:

• Creating a more defined walking path
• Safeguarding the existing tree canopy on the East 97th Street lot 
• Developing a ground cover that minimizes routine maintenance and creates a habitat for flora and fauna
• Integrating a rain garden on the property Introducing a habitat for desirable birds

Site maintenance

The heavy tree canopy extant on the 97th Street site already retards the rapid growth of grass and underbrush. In developing the site as a more natural park, low mow grasses will be used along with ground cover that requires little, if any, maintenance. The project team will also be paving the pedestrian walkway.