Cleveland officials are turning to neighborhood residents to help decide the next chapter for the Eastside Market, the city‑owned grocery store located near East 105th Street and St. Clair Avenue. A short online survey, linked below, asks Clevelanders what they want to see in the revived market, from product selection to community‑focused services.
Survey to Guide Operator Selection
City staff, led by Zainab Pixler, who coordinates local food‑systems work for the public health department, said the survey responses will be a key factor in evaluating proposals from potential new operators. “We want to hear directly from the people who live and work in the area,” Pixler explained to Signal Cleveland.
Why the Market Closed and What Comes Next
The Eastside Market has been shuttered since the city terminated its lease with Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services (NEON) in April. NEON was removed for failing to keep up with utility bills and property taxes, violating the terms of its $1‑a‑year lease. While the building remains vacant, the city is actively searching for a replacement operator.
This is not the first attempt to revive the site. After more than a decade of closure, the market reopened in 2019 following a $900,000 investment of state and city funds to repair the roof, parking lot, and other infrastructure. The recent request for proposals, issued this summer, stipulates that at least 40 % of the store’s floor space be dedicated to fresh produce, dairy, and meat, and that the operator provide affordable food while sourcing from local farms and businesses whenever possible.
Beyond a Traditional Grocery Store
City leaders envision a broader community hub. The building includes a commercial kitchen, a demonstration kitchen, and former clinic space. Officials hope these areas will host cooking and nutrition classes, job‑training programs, support for local food entrepreneurs, and health‑screening events. By integrating these services, the city aims to address food insecurity, promote healthy eating, and create economic opportunities for residents.
How Residents Can Participate
The survey is available online and takes only a few minutes to complete. It asks residents to rank priorities such as product variety, price points, community‑program offerings, and preferences for local sourcing. The city plans to use the aggregated data to shape the evaluation criteria for operator proposals, ensuring that the chosen partner aligns with community needs.
Next Steps
After the survey period closes, the city will review the feedback alongside the submitted proposals. The most promising operator will be selected based on how well they meet the community‑driven criteria, including affordability, local sourcing, and programmatic offerings. Once an operator is chosen, the city will move forward with a lease agreement and begin preparations to reopen the market.
For those interested in shaping the future of the Eastside Market, the survey can be accessed here. City officials encourage all residents, especially those who rely on the market for groceries, to share their thoughts.
Original reporting: Signal Cleveland — read the source article.
