Covered by Documenters Aaron Skubby (notes) and Regina Samuels (live-tweets)
Protest in the chambers
Protesters brought City Council’s final October meeting to a halt as they called for Mayor Justin Bibb and City Council leadership to support Palestinians.
In the recent weeks, community members have criticized Bibb’s Oct. 7 statement in support of Israel. Council President Blaine Griffin has consistently reminded residents to keep their comments respectful, and this week he added a reminder that signs are not allowed in City Council chambers. The residents continued to hold up signs bearing the names and ages of Palestinian children killed in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
After ordinances were read and adopted, protesters began chanting. The chants included, “Free, free Palestine,” and “Mayor Bibb you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide.”
Griffin warned that security would remove the protesters if they did not stop chanting. Shortly after, some protesters left voluntarily while others were escorted out by security. Some people stopped chanting and remained in the chamber.
Woodhill Homes transformation
City Council passed legislation approving $15.5 million for new sidewalks, sewers, water mains and lighting for a part of the Woodhill Estates project. The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority and the city got a $35 million federal grant to tear down and redevelop Woodhill Homes, a development first constructed in the 1940s.
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.
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Read the live-tweet thread from Documenter Regina Samuels:
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