Rob Oberst, the brother of Cuyahoga County Commissioner, has proposed a vision for closing Burke Lakefront Airport and redeveloping the land into a multibillion‑dollar redevelopment that could generate tens of millions of dollars per year in property, sales, and income‑tax revenue. This could also create a powerful source of jobs, energy, and inspiration for the city. The author argues that this could create a two‑mile multiuse waterfront that rivals the world’s most admired cities. Prior to the Ohio & Erie Canal, Cleveland exploded into a boomtown when it became the oil and auto capital of the world and the second‑largest steel producer. However, since then, Cleveland’ population has fallen to about 360,000, dropping to 54th in national rankings.