New year, same demands

Public commenters began the year with a renewed call for Cleveland City Council to pass a resolution supporting a ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza. They referenced language for the resolution that was included in a letter sent to council members on Jan. 1. More than 80 local organizations and businesses signed the letter.

Each public commenter criticized public officials for ignoring months of comments denouncing Mayor Justin Bibb’s Oct. 7 statement supporting Israel. Koby Picker, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace, spoke about past public comments.

“The first time I listened to what they had to say I decided that I had nothing more to offer and yet the weeks go by and council has failed to act,” Picker said. “So if you need to hear it from another Jew, let me be that Jew. My message is simple: Show some spine; pass a ceasefire resolution.”

TIF time

Council referred an ordinance that would create a new tax increment financing (TIF) district to council committees for review. The TIF district, referred to as the “Shore-to-Core-to-Shore TIF District” in the ordinance, was presented to council in 2023 as a way to support downtown and lakeshore development.

At that time, council members questioned what community benefits would come from the district. Chief Integrated Development Officer Jeff Epstein said details about community benefits agreements would be forthcoming.

Watch the full public comments or read transcripts edited by Documenter Gennifer Harding-Gosnell on the Public Comment CLE website created by Ohio City resident Angelo Trivisonno.

Read more from Documenter Elan Eichler:

Read the live-tweet thread from Documenter Chau Tang:

Suggested Reading

Many Cleveland City Council public comment rules on hold as lawsuit goes forward

Council can enforce limits on speaking time and the number of commenters – but not the content of speakers’ remarks.

by Nick Castele January 5, 2024October 18, 2024