News Summary
Flats East Development LLC has ended the lease for Play Bar & Grill following a series of gun-related incidents, including a recent shooting that injured six. Warnings were previously issued concerning safety issues at the location. Community members have expressed their concerns while city officials stand by their decision, emphasizing public safety. The bar’s owners plan to appeal the closure as discussions about future safety in the entertainment district continue.
Cleveland – Flats East Development LLC has officially terminated the lease for Play Bar & Grill due to a history of gun-related incidents, including a recent shooting that left six individuals injured. The decision follows a series of warnings issued to the bar’s owners regarding safety concerns associated with gun violence.
The latest shooting incident occurred on a Sunday near the establishment, involving multiple firearms and resulting in one of the injured individuals being arrested in relation to the event. This incident marks a troubling escalation in violence in the area surrounding Play Bar & Grill.
In preparation for further safety measures, the City of Cleveland took immediate action by boarding up Play Bar & Grill after the shooting. The location of the bar, situated at the corner of West 10th Street and Front Avenue, lies within the Flats East Bank development—an entertainment district spanning 23 acres along the riverfront, which includes other notable properties such as the Aloft Cleveland Downtown hotel and the Oswald Tower office building.
Background on Violations and Warnings
Flats East Development had previously alerted the owners of Play Bar & Grill about their concerns regarding gun violence in July. That warning was followed by a second violation notice in August after further incidents related to gun activity were reported. George Kimson, the president of Flats East Development LLC, stated that there were numerous incidents at or near the bar throughout the summer, raising significant alarm among community members and stakeholders.
Community Reactions and Official Responses
David Hill, co-owner of Play Bar & Grill, expressed disappointment over the city’s decision to close the establishment, stating that the recent shooting was not related to their operations. He indicated that the bar had previously requested assistance from the fire department due to overcrowding just prior to the shooting. Emily Ramirez, a bartender at the bar, reported that patrons had sought refuge inside during the chaotic moments of the incident, illustrating the turmoil that unfolded.
Hill also addressed concerns regarding potential racial biases in the city’s actions, as Play Bar & Grill is noted to be the only Black-owned bar in the Flats East area. However, Cleveland officials, including Wayne Drummond, the director of public safety, maintained that race was not a consideration in their decision-making process, emphasizing that the focus remained on ensuring the safety of the community.
Mark Griffin, the city’s law director, defended the decision to shut down the bar by referencing a documented history of violent incidents, including past shootings associated with the establishment. This context underscores the city officials’ determination to prioritize public safety in a region that has seen escalating violence.
Next Steps for Play Bar & Grill
Following the termination of the lease, workers were observed removing boards from the windows and doors of Play Bar & Grill. Hill announced intentions to formally appeal the city’s decision to board up the bar, indicating a commitment to fight back against actions that he believes adversely affect his business and his community.
As the situation unfolds, it will be critical to monitor both the community’s response and any further developments from city officials regarding safety and public health in the entertainment district. The outcome of the appeal and the ongoing discussions between the city and the bar’s owners will be pivotal in shaping the future of Play Bar & Grill and the surrounding area.
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Additional Resources
- News 5 Cleveland
- Wikipedia: Cleveland
- WKYC
- Google Search: Cleveland Flats Play Bar and Grill
- Cleveland.com
- Google Scholar: Cleveland bar shooting
- Cleveland 19 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cleveland
- Fox 8 News
- Google News: Cleveland bar shooting incident
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
