Tri-C buying land to expand transportation academy

State Rep. Kent Smith, D-Euclid, has announced Cuyahoga Community College has been given state approval to purchase 12.82 acres located at 24881 Rockwell Drive in the Euclid.

The site was previously used as a truck terminal.

According to a news release, the new property is being used to relocate and expand the school’s Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Academy. The current academy space is too small for Tri-C to continually grow and expand their program offerings.

Jonathan Holody, director of planning and development for the city, said the college’s academy is a great fit.

“The property was being marketed for sale for over a year and it is right down the street from the current location of the Tri-C truck driving academy in leased space at Heritage Business Park.”

Ohio is in the top 10 states for warehouse distribution centers in America,

with no regionally recognized training provider for logistics, supply chain and warehouse training, the release stated. The newly expanded academy will fill the need for such programs and will lead to job growth in the field, as students will be set up directly with organizations to enter related careers, including the new Amazon fulfillment center, which will be located less than a mile away from the site.

“I extend my thanks to Tri-C for keeping this educational program in Euclid,” Smith said. “The program will prepare people for jobs in a growth sector of the economy. It’s a good day for Euclid, and it’s a good day for Ohioans seeking a job that pays a healthy living wage.”

The college did not request state money for the site, and is funding the purchase and renovation costs

through a separate bond issue. Acquisition of the site will not cause an increase in tuition, fees or expenses for students.

Tri-C also will save over $3 million over the course of 10 years by purchasing this property, the release stated. The money saved will be reinvested into the college.

Tri-C Media Relations Manager John Horton said overall plans are still being finalized, but work on the building will begin between May and August.

Euclid Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail is thrilled the college will be expanding its footprint in the city.

“The expansion of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Academy is well situated to support the growth happening in Euclid’s industrial corridor as well as providing new training opportunities for our residents,” she said.