CLEVELAND, Ohio – Bryant Francis spends more time at Cleveland Hopkins than any frequent flyer.
He knows that the bathrooms frequently get dirty. He knows that the security lines sometimes run long.
He doesn’t have answers for all the airport’s problems – but he has the answers for some.
Francis recently completed his first full year as the city’s director of port control, overseeing all aspects of Cleveland Hopkins and Burke Lakefront airports.
He arrived at a crucial time – as talks were getting underway with the airlines to fund a $3 billion terminal rebuild.
Among his top accomplishment so far: Getting the airlines that do business at Hopkins to agree to fund the first $175 million for the new terminal, a downpayment, of sorts, on a larger commitment.
Francis still believes that construction on the project is likely to start in 2025, which will be the centennial anniversary of the founding of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
“How fantastic would that be to celebrate 100 years of the existence of Hopkins and simultaneously be launching a plan for the future?” he said. “I do believe that’s possible.”
Baiju Shah, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, said modernizing the airport is Francis’ biggest challenge.
“We have to make that happen,” said Shah. “We cannot continue with the airport in its present 20th-century form. We need that experience when you arrive in Cleveland that is similar to other 21st century airports. That is an absolute must do.”
Francis, 51, recently sat down with The Plain Dealer/cleveland.com to review his first year on the job – what he’s accomplished, what’s frustrated him and the importance of keeping the bathrooms clean.
Through all of it, he said, he’s been struck by Clevelanders’ passion about a place many visit only a few times a year.
“A lot of expectations were immediately placed on my shoulders,” said Francis, who was airport director in Oakland, California, when he was tapped for the job by Mayor Justin Bibb.
“The community is starved to see change at CLE,” he said. “I’ve gotten the sense that there have been numerous promises and plans announced that for one reason or another haven’t materialized. There’s an attitude of, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it.’”
Francis does believe Clevelanders will “see it” this time.
Since late last year, airport officials have been working with the Paslay Group, a Texas firm that specializes in airport development, to devise a timeline for construction of the new terminal, which is expected to include wider and brighter concourses, more ticket counter space, a relocated customs facility, a central security screening area and more.
Meanwhile, the airport has resumed monthly meetings with the airlines to talk about priorities and funding.
Francis said he expects the airport will hire a construction manager by the end of the year.
“By the end of the year, I believe we will have a clearer picture of where we are going and what comes next,” he said. “I feel good about where we are right now.”
A long security line snakes through the terminal at Cleveland Hopkins airport on Sunday morning, May 5.Special to Cleveland.com
The first priority will likely include adding more parking to the airport grounds.
Francis said he expects the empty Sheraton Cleveland Airport Hotel will be demolished later this summer, replaced by either more surface parking or possibly a new parking garage, depending on projections for how much more parking is needed, and when.
City-owned parking lots at the airport are often completely full during busy travel periods. To alleviate parking frustration, the airport recently announced a new plan that allows travelers to reserve a spot at the Smart Parking Garage.
The airport this year is on pace to welcome 10.25 million passengers – the highest number since 2008.
And remember: In 2008, Cleveland Hopkins was a hub for Continental Airlines, and nearly 40% of the airport’s passengers were connecting, meaning they didn’t need parking or security screening or ticket counter space.
“Airlines are adding flights,” said Francis. “And that’s a great thing.”
But, he added, “It’s making our already busy times even busier.”
Francis said he knows that TSA lines can sometimes be too long, which is why the airport is encouraging passengers to arrive two hours ahead of their flights. “That should give you ample time to check in, get through security and make it to the gate with time to spare,” he said.
Meanwhile, airport officials are working with TSA to possibly add extra space for additional screening lanes, although that wouldn’t happen until next year.
Francis said he is also aware that the airport restrooms are a constant source of consternation for many travelers.
On bathroom renovations and personal responsibility
Earlier this year, the airport started work on a $2.7 million, two-year plan to renovate 13 of the highest-use restrooms at the airport.
Work on the first set of bathrooms, across from the food court, was finished in May. Bathrooms in the C Concourse, between C8 and C10, are currently getting refurbished.
The renovations, however, do not include enlarging the restrooms or stalls to make them easier to maneuver with luggage.
Still, Francis hopes travelers notice an improvement.
The renovations are designed to make the bathrooms easier and faster to clean. In addition, he said, the airport has adjusted schedules of custodians in an effort to keep the bathrooms cleaner.
“As a fellow traveler, I understand the importance of cleanliness,” Francis said. “We take this very seriously and we’re focused on making improvements.”
Francis also said he believes that the never-ending task of keeping the airport clean should be a shared responsibility – between employees as well as passengers.
“I walk around the airport a lot. I see the place far more often than any traveler does,” he said.
He sees many people who care about the space – but many who do not. “I see a lot of things left behind,” he said.
The airport plans to launch a video campaign later this summer that will encourage travelers to throw away their trash, and not leave it behind for custodians or others to dispose of. “We can all play a role,” he said.
Restrooms across from the food court at Cleveland Hopkins recently reopened after being renovated.Courtesy Cleveland Hopkins
On other topics:
* Francis wouldn’t say much about the future of Burke Lakefront Airport, the downtown property that the city is considering closing. The city commissioned two studies in recent years to look at different aspects of the small airport, including economic development possibilities. Those studies have not yet been released to the public. “No final determination has been made about the future of Burke,” said Francis. “I would expect by year-end there will be a public announcement made on where the city has landed in terms of Burke’s future and what that looks like.”
* Francis expressed concern about the possibility that the Cleveland Browns might build a new domed stadium across Ohio 237 from the airport. The Browns are currently weighing the benefits of building a new stadium in Brook Park or renovating their existing facility in downtown Cleveland. Francis’ concerns are related to the potential impact the development would have on travelers’ ability to get in and out of the airport. “It’s not about the Browns,” he said. “It’s about any large-scale development there that would generate a large amount of traffic.”
* Francis noted that the airport has added numerous new flights in recent months, including new service from Delta, Frontier and Sun Country airlines. But more is needed, he said. San Diego and Kansas City rank high on the list of destinations the airport is seeking to add. Francis also said he would like more service to Washington, D.C. and New York City.
Among the items on Francis’ list that he didn’t accomplish?
Francis said he was hoping to restructure his office to add a member to his senior leadership team in charge of business operations. “I need a greater level of support at the executive level,” he said.
The restructuring, he said, is still being vetted by City Hall.
He also said the airport needs to increase its compensation level. “We’re not very competitive today,” he said. “We must be able to attract strong candidates and retain more of our current team.”
Francis’ salary is $367,500, which makes him the highest paid employee in the city.
Northeast Ohio was relatively unfamiliar to Francis when he moved here a year ago. A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Francis has tried to get out into the community as much as possible over the past 12 months, scheduling meetings, attending events, joining organizations.
“I’m learning. I’m getting out into the community more often and am feeling more connected,” said Francis, who rents a home in the city’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood. “I have more territory to cover, but I’m not where I was a year ago.”
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