I-Team: Could $40 million more of your tax money go to Cleveland’s ballpark and arena?

CLEVELAND (WJW) – The FOX 8 I-Team has found more of your tax money could soon go to the home of the Cleveland Cavaliers and home of the Cleveland Guardian s.

In fact, it could involve tens of millions of dollars.

This comes as debate rages over tax money to help the Cleveland Browns build a dome.

We asked what this means to you since it affects your wallet.

We caught up with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb after an event on Wednesday and we asked about extra money that may be needed for Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

You see major work underway at the ballpark, and not that long ago, we saw major renovations completed at the arena.

However, we’ve learned the Gateway Development Corporation may ask for about $40 million to carry out more upgrades and repairs.

“I know our team’s been in conversation about the Guardians and Cavs about potential, outstanding debt we may have on the contract for Gateway. Nothing formally has been submitted yet,” Bibb said.

So, we asked where the city would get that money — potentially $40 million.

“Yeah, we’re not sure yet, but when we have debts, we have to pay them,” Bibb said.

“If we’re going to help you, you need to help us in these neighborhoods in the community,” said community activist Bob Render.

He said he understands the cost of stadiums, but he also wants problems fixed in the streets — help with homelessness, a shortage of police and more.

‘This comes as the Browns plan to build a dome in Brook Park with the cost to taxpayers not yet clear.

The general public always feel like they’re left holding the bag, or they’re an afterthought. There should be an off-setting amount of money in the neighborhoods,” Render said.

The I-Team reviewed notes from a meeting last month of the group that owns the ballpark and the arena. This shows officials have been talking about a better way to predict expensive, major repair projects. Maybe creating some new policy. Some way to have one schedule for big expenses.

“We’ve got to figure out a long-term solution,” said county executive Chris Ronayne. “Like your own house. You might fix the plumbing and all of a sudden, the roof needs repair. That happens with facilities too.”

“It’ll take some more conversations with the county, and both sports teams as well,” Bibb said.

The mayor said new money could pay for work that’s been done and work that still needs to be done.

Again, no formal request for more money has been made yet, but discussion has started.

We left messages for the leaders of the Gateway Development Corporation, the owners of Progressive Field and the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. We did not get a response.

The corporation will meet again next month, so we could find out more about this soon.

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