Delete WardWard 13
The Ward 13 community includes Old Brooklyn and part of the Stockyard neighborhood.
About Ward 13
The Old Brooklyn area that includes Ward 13 was first settled as a fur trading post in 1790. The former hamlet of Brighton was settled in 1814 around the intersection of Broadview and Pearl Rds., carved out of Brooklyn Township. Later it rejoined Brooklyn Twp., but the area was later reorganized as the village of South Brooklyn in 1889. During the late 1880s, farmers in the area were among the first in the Midwest to use greenhouses to cultivate vegetables.
A market-gardening center, commercial gardening received a boost when public transportation came to the community's borders in 1869. By the 1920s the neighborhood was one of the nation's leading producers of greenhouse vegetables, with more than 100 acres under glass.
The ward stretches from the Brookside Reservation area, south to the border of the City of Parma. It is heavily residential and in recent years there has been a revitalization of retail businesses.
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in the ward was created in 1907. (The Zoo began as Wade Park in 1882 but by 1907 Cleveland City Council had laid plans to build the Cleveland Museum of Art and decided to move the Zoo to its current location.) The Brookside Reservation nearby the zoo was one of the city of Cleveland's oldest neighborhood parks before its acquisition by Cleveland Metroparks in 1993. The land was purchased in 1894 and was named Brooklyn Park. It has been a center for recreation since the early 1900s. The 132-acre reservation serves as a refuge for diverse wildlife in an urban setting. This reservation, still a recreation hub, connects to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and an all-purpose trail connects neighborhoods. Nearby, a former landfill was transformed into Cleveland Metroparks Brighton Park, named after the old neighborhood name.
The ward also encompasses a small portion of the Stockyards neighborhood, which also started out as a part of Brooklyn Twp., and was initially inhabited by Hungarian and Czech immigrants. The neighborhood derives its name from the Cleveland Union Stockyards Co.
Read MoreAbout Kris Harsh
Councilman Kris Harsh proudly represents Ward 13, which encompasses Old Brooklyn and part of the Stockyard neighborhoods. A lifelong advocate for housing justice and community development, Councilman Harsh brings years of grassroots experience and public service to his role on Cleveland City Council.
A Background in Housing & Community Organizing
Before entering public office, Councilman Harsh served as Housing Director at Metro West Community Development Organization beginning in 2014, where he helped lead efforts to stabilize neighborhoods, improve housing conditions, and empower residents through education and advocacy.
He previously worked as an organizer for the Ohio Organizing Collaborative and served as Director of Community Organizing at Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP). At ESOP, he focused on equipping residents—particularly seniors—with the financial tools and resources to achieve long-term housing stability and economic wellness.
Advocacy, Representation & Housing Reform
Councilman Harsh has been a strong voice for housing justice, representing residents before the Cleveland Housing Court, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Board of Building Standards. His collaborative work with the Cleveland Land Bank, Cleveland Housing Network, City Council colleagues, and organizations like MetroHealth and Environmental Health Watch has addressed complex housing challenges across the city.
His efforts have led to:
- The demolition of dozens of blighted and unsafe properties
- Expanded side lot programs to help residents reclaim vacant land
- A pilot lead abatement program focused on reducing lead exposure in both owner-occupied and rental housing
Councilman Harsh also serves as Cleveland City Council’s representative to the Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services Advisory Board, contributing to countywide strategies to reduce homelessness and improve housing access.
Community Roots & Personal Life
Originally from Northeast Ohio, Councilman Harsh studied at the University of Akron and Kent State University. He is also a longtime supporter of the local arts scene, having previously hosted the indie music radio show “Pure Denizen” on WRUW.
Councilman Harsh lives on Merl Avenue with his wife, Elizabeth, their three children, a cat, and a dog. He is committed to building a safer, stronger, and more inclusive Ward 13—where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.
Meet the Staff
Committees
Chair – Mayor's Appointments
Member – Development, Planning & Sustainability
Member – Health, Human Services & the Arts
Member – Utilities
