Residents talk trash and problems with Cleveland’s new nuisance law

The scene at the Oct. 13 Second District Community Relations Safety Meeting

There were pockets of people engaged in conversation inside and outside the meeting room. People, including representatives from OneHope NEO, where the meeting was held, were welcoming and provided instructions on the meeting commencement and provided seating for early meeting attendees. OneHope NEO also had other community activities underway, including an open kitchen prep, which added to the vibrancy and sense of an engaged community around the meeting.

The meeting room was set up with a panel of people representing the Second District Policing Committee facing meeting attendees (fire, police, community relations, and meeting treasurer). Printed copies of the meeting agenda and meeting minutes from the Sept. 8 meeting were available for meeting attendees.

The Second District Police Commander, Tim Maffo-Judd, began the meeting.

The Second District includes the near West and near Southwest parts of Cleveland.

Housing clinics, trash ticketing and the new nuisance law

Cheryl Wiltshire, Cleveland Housing Court administrative judge, rose from the audience to speak to attendees, thanking them for voting for her last year and encouraging everyone to vote in this fall’s election. Her two main items were the recent and upcoming housing clinics and a noticeable trend in trash tickets coming to the court. The meeting session with Wiltshire was probably the longest and most engaging, with meeting attendees asking many questions about trash and sharing commentary on reporting property nuisance with the new nuisance law.

One housing clinic occurred on Sept. 30 at Mary Queen of Peace on the West Side, and another housing clinic is scheduled for Oct. 29 at Tri-C, with a focus on Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority housing. More clinics are being planned for 2027 with topics varying. Wiltshire said the Housing Court’s staff is making efforts to be more in the community and answer questions around housing.

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Wiltshire also remarked on the number of trash tickets that are coming through the Housing Court for setting trash out too early or too late in relation to pick-up day. She suggested that those cited pay the citation because fee increases can be substantial. Payment plans of $5 a month are available.

Public comments and questions about trash and the city’s nuisance law

Wiltshire answered the following public comments and questions.

• Handling the $350 excessive trash ticket and preventative measures: The excessive trash ticket is not through the Housing Court but through Cleveland Building and Housing. The elderly can get assistance with trash disposal by contacting the Cleveland Department of Aging with the city or the Housing Court. Others, including those with disabilities, should call 311 for assistance.
• Handling tire dumping: If someone is illegally dumping tires, try to record on video and call 311. If you are disposing of tires, set them out for your bulk pick-up day. If someone has thrown trash on your property and you are ticketed, report it, capture video, and when you go to Housing Court, seek help with dismissal of charges, fines, and court costs.
• Littering on condemned properties: The person littering can be fined, but even though it is condemned, there is a property owner. The property owner can also be fined. Use of video recording was again encouraged.
• Items left after an eviction: Items should be placed on the curb. The landlord has the responsibility to make sure that they schedule eviction on the day of trash pick-up or have items picked up within 14 days.

Cleveland’s new nuisance law seems to be making a difference, according to one public commenter, who asked for the reporting process to be explained. Wiltshire advised the first step is to call 911. After the third call, the city sends a letter to the property owner.  Wiltshire and other meeting attendees noted that calling the non-emergency line does not provide immediate assistance. One community member said he has been awaiting resolution for four years for the complaints he has made. Maffo-Judd advised the resident to speak with him after the meeting to follow up on the complaints.

New city resource guide can help with nuisance calls

Luis Gonzalez Jr., the Second District representative for the Community Relations Board (CRB), spoke. Gonzalez mentioned the City of Cleveland Resource Guide (new this year) with contact information to follow up with departments after calling 311. Gonzalez emphasized getting the tracking number from the call with 311 to help with follow-up by CRB on quality of life issues. 

There’s more: Read the full notes from this meeting by Documenter Tisha Barnes. They include year-to-date crime stats, details about violent crime cases that are pending or have completed sentencing, the Second Police District’s building renovation and the Cleveland Community Police Commission‘s grants.

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@signalcleveland.org  with “Correction Request” in the subject line.