CLEVELAND — Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb wants to remove the barriers many believe are an eyesore.

What You Need To Know

  • Mayor Justin Bibb’s legislation would remove concrete jersey barriers from Cleveland’s Public Square

  • The city of Cleveland would replace the barriers with bollards

  • Innoplast is a bollard and manufacturer and distributor in Garfield Heights

Cleveland has made significant strides in creating a more vibrant downtown. That includes a $50 million renovation for Public Square in the heart of downtown. 

Danielle Hackney put several metal bollards on display.

“The advantage of having this one is they’re very easy to remove if you ever want to open up the area, if you need it for vehicle traffic,” said Hackney about removable bollards.

Before the Texas native began working for Innoplast, she, like many, wasn’t familiar with the sturdy vertical posts. 

“I had no idea what a bollard was, so I’ve learned. Once you see a bollard, you can never unsee them,” said Hackney.  

Now the bollard manufacturing and distributing company with a large warehouse in Garfield Heights is happy to see cities in Ohio like Cleveland trying to install bollards in public spaces. 

Hackney said the bollards would be a major upgrade over concrete barriers.

“They look unfinished, makes everything look like a construction zone, so whereas bollards differ, they will make the area look clean, modern and they will still maintain the same functionality that jersey barriers will have,” said Hackney.

Innoplast is led by president Gary Bowling. The Ohio business has been around since 2006 and found success in the area. 

“The team, absolutely the team, but also just the business has been booming,” said Bowling. 

With bollards potentially in downtown Cleveland’s future, Hackney hopes it will not only be more scenic but also safe. 

“We want it to be more pedestrian friendly. You know, jersey barriers make it so you can’t even ride your bike down the road. They’re just in the way,” said Hackney  

The Bibb administration said the total cost of the project will be around $3 million, with legislation providing up to $1.5 million in funding from the capital budget for removal, repair and redesign work. 

The administration also said the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority will consider an investment to help with the other $1.5 million needed, while the Group Plan Commission, which works to improve Cleveland’s public spaces, will look into other funding through private and philanthropic investments. 

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