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Bibb Defends $100 Million Browns Settlement as Council Presses for Full Deal Details

City Council insists on seeing the full agreement before it considers required approvals.

Overview

  • The proposed settlement would end the city’s lawsuits in exchange for $100 million in payments and commitments tied to lakefront work and community projects.
  • Terms outlined publicly include $25 million upfront for lakefront improvements, $5 million annually from 2029 through 2033 for the lakefront, $20 million for council‑directed community projects, and stadium demolition at the Browns’ expense.
  • Mayor Justin Bibb and the city’s law director said legal changes to the Modell Law and a reversal of an initial ODOT finding on stadium height left the city without a viable path to keep the team downtown.
  • Council members questioned whether the city secured enough value given prior public spending on the current stadium and asserted authority over spending and real estate actions tied to the deal.
  • Officials said they aim to finalize a written agreement by Thanksgiving as the Browns pursue a $2.4 billion covered stadium in Brook Park within a broader $1 billion mixed‑use development.