Cleveland ministry appeals after judge blocks building of youth drop-in center [Video]

CLEVELAND — Plans for a youth drop-in center to help young people experiencing homelessness are causing quite the stir in Ohio City.

While Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry aims to close a gap on unmet needs, a Cuyahoga County judge has rejected the project for zoning reasons. On Tuesday, LLM held a press conference with their project partners to discuss their grievances.

LLM President and CEO and Maria Foschia says in March 2023, the Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals approved for the youth drop-in center to be built at the Lutheran Family Services building at 4100 Franklin Blvd. Past estimates projected it would be a $1.5 million dollar renovation project with a first-year operating cost of $1.5 million.

The drop-in center would offer coordinated essential services and resources to fulfill basic needs …