Cleveland Heights businesses frustrated by closures weeks after apartment fire
Cleveland Heights police body camera video obtained by the FOX 8 I-Team shows the chaotic scene that unfolded on that night, as the fire swept through the Marquee at Cedar Lee.
Residents and business owners did not know it at the time, but the massive blaze that gutted the $66 million development would have a large impact on the neighborhood for the next 25 days and counting.
'It's hurting me, it's killing me and no one is telling us anything,' said Quintin Jones, who is the owner of Rudy's Pub on Lee Road. 'It's no corporation, it's just mom and pop businesses, trying to survive over there.'
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As a result of the fire, a large section of the Cleveland Heights Cedar Lee parking near the Marquee complex has been closed, in a neighborhood where accessible parking has always been at a premium.
The owner of Rudy's Pub says the lack of parking has caused his business to plummet by nearly 40%.
'Look, the customers come in, they don't see any parking, they just pull off, so that's affecting our bottom line, our income,' he said.
Meanwhile, a stretch of Cedar Road at Lee in front of the apartment complex is still shut down three and a half weeks after the fire.
Frustrated business owners attended the Cleveland Heights City Council meeting on Tuesday night looking for answers to their questions.
'Something to help us out, because the bills are still there, even if the customers aren't,' said Amanda Elfers.
The city of Cleveland Heights maintains there is a good reason why the Marquee has not been demolished and the scene remains largely untouched.
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A statement issued by the city reads, in part, 'the fire continues to be an open investigation with inspectors and structural engineers working hard to determine the cause of the fire and the ultimate disposition of the building. In addition, insurance adjusters and their engineers are involved.'
As for the ongoing impact of the fire on the Cedar Lee neighborhood, city hall's response is, 'the city is committed to assisting our Cedar-Lee businesses. We will re-open the garage and the part of Cedar Road just as soon as it is safe and feasible to do so.'
In response to the current situation, Elfers said, 'I think four weeks, 30 days is pretty ample time to make a decision, so business owners are frustrated. Customers are frustrated.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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