While the sales tax increase seems to be predetermined certainty, we can craft a solution that will procure the money and lay the ground-work for a “national case study” on how to raise the level of education and ability to generate wealth. All national studies on wealth creation have come to universal conclusions on its genesis - there are two attributes that create more wealth than any other means - education and innovation, mainly in the form of patent applications. So, instead of raising the sales tax by .25 percent, let’s raise it by .50 percent instead. Half of the capital raised can then be used to service the bond issue for the Medical Mart and the other half can be used to finance a college scholarship program that can be offered through-out Cuyahoga County.

If one graduates with a 3.5 GPA or better (and pass the state proficiency exam), then you would be eligible to receive a full-scholarship to any State of Ohio public university or college. (Sure, certain stipulations would apply for example the student must maintain a 3.2 GPA or better during college.) After successfully graduating, the student - upon return to Cleveland or Cuyahoga County - would receive a life grant of $4,000 in year one declining to $1,000 in year four. These life grants could be used for a possible down-payment on a house or condo or to be put aside for retirement. A better educated, home owning workforce is a clear strategy to improve and enhance wealth.

All economic development professionals in this region should make a pledge that for every large scale development we seek out a way to incorporate creative wealth creation strategies. It makes all the sense in the world and delivers what we need most - 21^st century assets with a 21^st century workforce.

Recently, I had the honor of touring the old Tudor Hotel Building which elegantly rests on the corner of E. 105th and Carnegie. The story of the building is fascinating. Once the grand home of the Cleveland Club (a private club similar to the Union Club or the Cleveland Athletic Club) - you can immediately see the wealth once possessed by members of this fantastic venue. You can also see how much wealth has been lost too in this region. Where did all this money go?

A grand wood lobby leads to a second floor area this is beyond description in its grandeur. I walked into a two-story dining room with beautiful woodwork (including a wood ceiling with tremendous arches - looked like a huge alpine ski lodge) and detailed art work on the walls - all perfectly intact. I then walked into the “Rose Room” which was once a glamorous cigar bar. Off of the “Rose Room” is another two-story ballroom (again with unbelievable artwork all in pristine condition) with a large stage. I was stunned by the condition all of these rooms were - meaning they were in good to great condition and with a little “TLC” and imagination one could recreate early 20th century elegance.

The tour continued with a review of two gorgeous old pools, raquet ball/squash courts (with large observation areas), work-out facilities and various other amenties. I believe that the old Cleveland Club can be redeveloped as a boutique or extended stay hotel. A secondary develpment might be as a condo development on the upper-floors wiht a boutique/extended stay hotel on the lower floors.

Ari Maron and his family recently acquired the property and it should be the goal of our community to support him with this development. Ari and his family have had unbelievable success with the E. 4th Street redevelopment. Any and all ideas about the Tudor Hotel Building and the Cleveland Club will be considered, please forward all ideas to me and I will make sure Ari receives them. And if you get a chance to see this facility do so - it will amaze you.