March 25: Cleveland City Council
Covered by Documenters Marquesa Stephens (notes) and Ayanna Rose Banks (live-tweets)
Leveraging 3D-printing technology to build affordable homes
Can 3D-printed homes be part of the solution to ending homelessness in Cleveland? Last week, Council Member Stephanie Howse-Jones introduced legislation to find out if it’s possible.
“We are trying to change the trajectory of our city,” said Howse-Jones, who represents Ward 7. Howse-Jones has consistently advocated for Cleveland’s unhoused communities.
The legislation, if approved by council, would let Cleveland give up to $1 million to Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry. The money would go to the space and technology needed for 3D-printed “pilot houses” for low-income families and people experiencing homelessness.
‘A guaranteed job with a family-sustaining wage’
Howse-Jones also introduced legislation for a universal basic employment pilot program in partnership with United Way of Greater Cleveland.
“It really gives Cleveland an opportunity to actually lead in the nation. What we are embarking on is the opportunity to provide a guaranteed job with a family-sustaining wage,” said Howse-Jones.
The legislation would allow Cleveland to give United Way up to $600,000 for the pilot program.
Cleveland City Council unanimously passes Gaza ceasefire resolution
After nearly six months of protests from Palestinian and Jewish community members, City Council passed a resolution “condemning all forms of hate” and “calling for a halt to the fighting in Gaza.”
The resolution supports the United Nations Security Council’s March 25 call for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza. The UN Security Council called for a ceasefire through April 9 (when Ramadan ends), the release of hostages and access to humanitarian aid.
Pedestrian safety concerns
Adam Bresnahan, a Ward 11 resident, called upon city government to address pedestrian safety after he said he’s experienced “law-breaking activity” by drivers. For example, he said motorists have violated his right of way in the crosswalk by failing to stop at red lights when making right turns.
“I know that you inherited a city with terrible car-centric infrastructure, but please start taking some action to improve the experience of pedestrians because the crosswalks are very dangerous here,” said Bresnahan during public comment.
Bresnahan also said he has shared with officials “detailed descriptions of these problems” in Ward 11 and suggested “low-cost solutions” such as shorter crosswalk wait times and more no right-turn-on-red-light signs.
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.