Aloft May Build in Chagrin Highlands

A special meeting of City Council did not result in an incentive agreement with Aloft Hotel developer Scott Berkowitz.

But that will not stop Berkowitz from pursuing a spot in Chagrin Highlands - an area he would share with the , Eaton Corporation World Headquarters and he said after the meeting.

Berkowitz is working with Chagrin Highlands developer The Jacobs Group and banks to secure the site, and asked Council to grant Aloft a $400,000 tax break over five years.

Council and Berkowitz spoke amicably about the tax break, but did not come to an agreement about an incentive - a feasible one would take months that Berkowitz said he does not have.

Berkowitz hopes to have plans for an Aloft at Chagrin Highlands in front of the Planning and Zoning Commission in April, he said.

Berkowitz which is adjacent to a residential street. 

Signature Square property owner The Goldberg Company pulled that proposal after  who expressed concern that the hotel would be disruptive to their neighborhood, and some alleged that Council was giving the developers and property owners special treatment.

More: Aloft Hotel Topic Page

Berkowitz first spoke to the city's Economic Development Commitee about the new proposal at a March 1 meeting.

Do you think an Aloft Hotel is a good fit for The Chagrin Highlands? Tell us in the comments!