Nov. 18: Cleveland City Council
Covered by Documenter Jenna Thomas (live-tweets)
Wards wards wards
As Cleveland City Council inches closer to redrawing its ward boundaries – a once-in-a-decade process – residents took to the mic to challenge council’s approach. Specifically, two residents said Clevelanders were not given enough time to submit feedback on the new maps.
Matthew Ahn – a Ward 3 resident who previously ran for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor – pointed out that the public input period on the new maps closed right before the Nov. 5 election. Ahn asked that the public engagement period be re-opened and that people be given more time to submit their own map proposals.
“People have more faith in government when they believe that their vote makes a difference. We have to demonstrate to voters that their voice matters.”
Matthew Ahn, Ward 3 resident
“It’s not just an issue of what the maps look like. It’s an issue of faith in government,” Ahn said. “People have more faith in government when they believe that their vote makes a difference. We have to demonstrate to voters that their vote matters,” he said.
Ward 15 resident Theodore Waddell also called for an extended comment process for the ward maps.
City Council held three meetings in October at locations downtown and on the East and West sides.
What is a ward? Check out Signal Cleveland’s Emmy-nominated video series, A Ward Tour.
Street takeover legislation teed up for further discussion
Council Member Michael Polensek reminded folks that council’s Safety Committee is set to meet on Friday, Nov. 22, at 1:30 p.m. New street takeover legislation is on the agenda. It would adjust an existing city code that prohibits street racing by also banning driving stunts, such as doughnuts and wheelies, as well as street takeovers. The legislation would also make “vehicle components” – such as steering wheels, tires and mufflers – subject to forfeiture.
Polensek also made what he called an “official” request that a prosecutor attend the meeting, since it will ultimately be up to the prosecutor’s office to enforce any new policies, he said.
Learn more about street takeovers in Signal Cleveland’s explainer, “Rebel without a cause? Street takeovers are flash mobs with cars.”
Luck of the Irish?
City Council also referred legislation to committee review that would extend a contract with Team NEO and Aer Lingus. The agreement helps provide daily direct flights from Cleveland to Ireland. The original contract – passed in 2022 – was for three years. This amendment would extend it to four, pushing the contract to March 31, 2027.
The city’s contribution is $600,000 in Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) money. The UDAG program is a federal initiative designed to help assist physically and economically distressed cities. Together, the city, Cuyahoga County, Destination Cleveland and other stakeholders are set to give Aer Lingus $2.4 million. JobsOhio is chipping in an additional $9.4 million, according to the legislation.
Read the live-tweets from Documenter Jenna Thomas:
Watch the full meeting on Cleveland City Council’s YouTube.
