Rep. Glassburn Secures Key Community Investments in the State Capital Budget

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Chris Glassburn (D-North Olmsted) today announced the passage of Senate Bill 450, the state's biennial capital appropriations budget. The bill allocates nearly $4B for vital statewide infrastructure including $475K directly targeting community projects across House District 15. 

The capital budget is the mechanism by which the state funds its brick-and-mortar needs. This ranges from the construction and renovation of K-12 public schools and higher education facilities to public works programs and mental health treatment centers, as well as funding local community projects. It includes funding for projects that expand access to healthcare, strengthen local economies, preserve cultural institutions, improve public infrastructure, and enhance quality of life for residents across the region.

Rep. Glassburn successfully championed state funding for five local projects designed to improve public spaces and enhance community welfare. Funding will be used to restore two historical buildings in North Olmsted and Middleburg Heights, aid in the construction of a park trail to improve pedestrian safety, invest in the remodeling in a public city recreation center, to make improvements to a veteran’s memorial, and to facilitate in the construction of a greenway park trial.

“Bringing state tax dollars back home to work directly for our neighborhoods is what matters most,” said Rep. Glassburn. “These projects represent worthy investments in our parks, our families, our health, and our shared history. This funding ensures our community remains a vibrant, safe, and beautiful place to live and raise a family.”

Approximately $475K will be distributed to the following projects within House District 15:

• $100,000 for the City of Brooklyn: To upgrade the John M. Coyne Recreation Center, ensuring local families and youth have access to modern, high-quality health and wellness facilities.
• $100,000 for Olmsted Township: To construct the Olmsted Township Greenway Trail, promoting outdoor recreation and improving pedestrian safety for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
• $100,000 for the City of North Olmsted: To revitalize the local Veteran’s Memorial, honoring the service of area veterans and creating a space for community reflection.
• $100,000 for the City of Middleburg Heights: To renovate the historic Old District 10 Schoolhouse, preserving local heritage for future generations and visitors.
• $75,000 for the City of North Olmsted: To restore the North Olmsted Old Town Hall, protecting a historic piece of the community's cultural landscape.

“I am excited to see our communities benefit from this much-needed state investment. For many of these projects, this funding is the crucial step that will allow work to begin or to finalize long-awaited improvements,” added Rep. Glassburn.“ I want to especially commend our local leaders and public servants who tirelessly advocated for their communities throughout the capital budget process. Together we are supporting the continued growth and success of our communities by honoring our past, serving our present, and investing in the opportunities ahead.”

SB 450 now heads to the governor's desk for his signature.