Browns are moving forward with a plan for a new domed stadium in the suburbs

The Browns have informed the city of Cleveland of their intention to move forward with construction of a new domed stadium in suburban Brook Park.

In a news conference Thursday at Cleveland City Hall, Mayor Justin Bibb expressed disappointment in the decision by Haslam Sports Group, which owns the Browns, to leave the current lakefront stadium.

“We have to be practical with our many needs and resources,” Bibb said. “The City’s approach has always been based on fiscal responsibility and long-term benefits for all members of our community. Therefore, I am deeply disappointed in the extensive efforts that Haslam Sports Group has decided to undertake.” Brook Park.

Dee and Jimmy Haslam addressed the team's decision in a statement, saying it was the result of trying to “find the optimal long-term solution for our stadium.”

“We have learned through our extensive work that renovating our current stadium simply will not solve many operational issues and would be a short-term approach,” the Haslams said. “With more time to reflect, we also realized that without a dome, we will not attract the type of large-scale events and year-round activities that would justify the scale of this public-private partnership.”

In early August, the city of Cleveland presented the Browns with a $1.2 billion proposal to renovate the current 65,000-seat stadium and redevelop the surrounding property, which would have included $461 million from the city. The city also offered a 30-year extension to the team's lease, which expires after the 2028 season. Bibb had asked the Browns to respond to his offer by August 12th.

Cuyahoga County officials also sent a letter to the Haslams saying they support the proposed renovations and are committed to keeping the NFL franchise in downtown Cleveland “for generations to come.”

The Browns have played on the shores of Lake Erie since their founding in 1946. Their new stadium was built in 1999 when they returned as an expansion franchise. Although it has been modernized, there are major traffic problems and a lack of parking spaces due to its location.

In response to the city's proposal, the Browns had released renderings for a $2.4 billion state-of-the-art stadium and entertainment complex about 15 miles south of Cleveland. The Haslams sought a 50-50 private/public partnership to build the stadium.

“Our work with Mayor Bibb and city officials has been transparent and collaborative throughout,” the Haslams said in their statement. “We will continue to work seriously with city, county and state officials to work together on these transformational opportunities.”

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.