Brook Park hires law firm to assist with Browns relocation and dome stadium project

BROOK PARK, Ohio – The Brook Park City Council agreed to hire a law firm to represent the city in negotiations and planning for the possible relocation of the Cleveland Browns and the development of a new domed stadium.

During the Dec. 17 meeting, six council members voted in favor of hiring Bricker Graydon, while one council member abstained. The decision came following some debate over the timing and adequacy of information provided to council members.

County Councilman Tom Troyer, who abstained from the vote, also spoke against suspending the rules to pass the measure after just one reading. During the meeting he explained that he had received the information package shortly before the meeting and had not had enough time to read it thoroughly.

“The truth is I don’t have enough information to make this decision, nor enough time,” Troyer said. “The information may be right here, but there is not enough time. Therefore, I will not be exempt from suspension because I want to do my due diligence. Not against it. Make it clear that I am not against hiring a company to handle this matter because we absolutely need it, and I am absolutely not against it. I’m not yet convinced this is the company. That’s why I will vote no to the suspension. I can’t vote for it because I couldn’t see the information we just received.”

The News Sun reached out to Troyer for further comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

Brook Park Mayor Edward Orcutt said the city selected Bricker Graydon after careful consideration by him and Law Director Carol Horvath. He said the company was chosen because of its “most relevant experience” in supporting public entities and private developers.

Orcutt praised the company’s track record and highlighted its work on successful public-private partnership projects, including the development of the Columbus Crew’s new stadium. He said Bricker Graydon will play a critical role in representing Brook Park’s interests as the city navigates the complex process of negotiating the Browns’ move, securing financing, planning the domed stadium and developing surrounding areas.

Orcutt said any legal fees incurred during negotiations are part of the overall cost of the dome stadium project.

The mayor also highlighted the project’s broader vision, emphasizing its potential to transform Brook Park and the surrounding region.

“The City of Brook Park hopes to create a destination for Northeast Ohio by building a domed stadium in our city,” Orcutt said. “It is time for us to reflect on this generational project and what impact it will have not just on Brook Park but on the region. This modern stadium, adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, will serve as a welcoming hub for visitors to the region. It will create construction jobs and new permanent jobs and benefit many Northeast Ohioans through the positive economic development resulting from many new events in our region.”