Board of Directors: Wesley Stump Family Foundation, Inc.
The Wesley Stump Family Foundation, Inc. advances projects that restore the land, benefit people, and strengthen productive communities across ecological restoration, environmental research, public benefit, and educational programming.
The Foundation recognizes that the Northeast Ohio region is home to rich soil and environment — a climate of abundant rain, sunlight, and seasonal temperatures. It is capable of becoming lush and productive, yet requires manual work and labor-intensive stewardship at the beginning. Once established, such land becomes sustainable, lower-maintenance, and an enduring ecosystem for generations.
Whereas
WHEREAS, the City of Cleveland’s Land Reutilization Program (Land Bank) acquires and markets vacant land for redevelopment that contributes to the city’s economic, social, and environmental well-being;
WHEREAS, Cleveland’s Department of Economic Development and Department of Community Development provide technical and programmatic pathways that complement land stewardship and community activation;
WHEREAS, alignment with City Planning Design Review processes and Building & Housing permitting will be respected whenever a project scope requires it;
WHEREAS, the Foundation’s mission emphasizes ecological restoration, environmental research, public benefit, and education through productive land use;
Resolved
RESOLVED, that the Wesley Stump Family Foundation, Inc. hereby establishes a City Land Bank Acquisition Program (Cleveland) to identify, apply for, and prudently acquire qualifying City-owned parcels suitable for ecological restoration, environmental research, public benefit, and educational programming;
RESOLVED, that parcel screening may be initiated using City datasets and ward/council resources, with consultation through applicable Design Review Districts as needed, and acquisition packets prepared for Board sign-off;
RESOLVED, that early-phase activities shall prioritize stewardship and improvement of land — controlling invasive plants, planting natives, and protecting habitat — without overcommitting to permanent structures or activities that trigger Design Review or permits unless specifically approved;
RESOLVED, that ongoing coordination with City partners will explore grants, partnerships, and resources aligned with these goals.