OneCommunity Announces Recipients of its Big Gig Challenge Grant

OneCommunity Announces Recipients of its Big Gig Challenge Grant by Brian Cummins

* FEATURE *

W. 25th Street Corridor BIG GIG Project

Based on its award-winning proposal, the West 25th Corridor will create a fiber network through Ohio City, Tremont, Clark-Fulton, Brooklyn Centre and Old Brooklyn.

“The Big Gig project will build off of the successes and projects we're implementing on the W. 25th Street corridor.  It will ensure the corridor is globally competitive and bring 21st Century internet connectivity to our community,” according to Councilman Brian Cummins.

The proposed route encompasses 900+ properties including 14 available development sites.   The corridor is four miles long and represents a collaborative effort among four Cleveland City Council Wards:  Ward 3 (Councilman Joe Cimperman); Ward 12 (Councilman Tony Brancatelli); Ward 13 (Councilman Kevin Kelley) and Ward 14 (Councilman Brian Cummins).

Some of Cleveland’s small businesses and nonprofits in addition to its most prominent west side institutions would be impacted including The West Side Market, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, MetroHealth Systems’ Main and Old Brooklyn campuses, Nestle’s LJ Minor Facility, Voss Industries, Great Lakes Brewing Company and Lutheran Hospital (Cleveland Clinic).

The project will mirror development goals of the West 25th Street Corridor Initiative, supplementing development commitments from a proposed $400 million Metro Health System redevelopment and expansion project.  It would ultimately connect 50 commercial properties in an effort to increase commercial viability and competitiveness while providing access to fiber along the four-mile route.

“The impact of introducing fiber to this burgeoning district cannot be understated,” according to OneCommunity CEO Lev Gonick.  “Hospitals, industry and businesses of all sizes, regardless of their scope will benefit from the network.  We are proud to be part of this major leap into the future as outlined by the West 25th Street Corridor Initiative.”

In addition to Big Gig Grant funding, creative funding for the project will be comprised of monies from Cleveland City Council, Casino Tax Revenue Funds, Steelyard TIF Funds and City of Cleveland Economic Development Funds.


About OneCommunity
OneCommunity is a nonprofit organization based in Cleveland that works to expand high-speed broadband access and adoption to strengthen Northeast Ohio. OneCommunity’s vision is that advanced digital capabilities and effective use of technology will help transform the region and establish it as a national hub for innovation and economic growth. For more information on OneCommunity, please visit www.onecommunity.org.