• Cleveland’s new online 311 service grants easier access to City services, information

       (Plain Press October 2024) On September 4th, 2024, the City of Cleveland announced its new 311 online service. The new website allows residents to submit requests related to public works, sanitation, street maintenance, City parks, and more via online forms. 311 is a centralized, non-emergency hotline and website that provides residents with easy access…


  • Neighborhood residents protest proposed gas station

    PHOTO BY BRUCE CHECEFSKY Friday, September 6,2024; Residents protest proposed gas station at former CVS site at 10022 Madison Avenue: Christine Ferges’ sign says, “People over cars”. PHOTO BY BRUCE CHECEFSKY Friday, September 6,2024; Residents protest proposed gas station at former CVS site at 10022 Madison Avenue: (L-R) Nikki Hudson (Rear), Gloria Still, and Sunny…


  • City Council increases amount allowed for campaign donations: LEGISLATION SPURS RESPONSE FROM A BETTER CLEVELAND FOR ALL

       (Plain Press July 2024) At its June 3, 2024 meeting, Cleveland City Council passed campaign finance legislation (Ordinance No. 615-2024) that increased the amount of donations an individual can make to a City Council candidate from $1,500 per calendar year to $3,000 in a calendar year. The legislation also increased the amount of money…


  • Local politicians fund wants of the wealthy over needs of the poor

    by Chuck Hoven      (Plain Press June 2024) Cleveland bears the distinction of having the highest child poverty rate among big cities in the United States. Yet rather than addressing this critical issue, Cleveland politicians continue to prioritize the wants of the wealthy and powerful over the needs of its poorest citizens – Cleveland’s children…


  • Cleveland City Council introduces legislation to regulate short term rentals and to reduce homelessness

       (Plain Press June 2024) At its May 20th meeting Cleveland City Council introduced two new pieces of legislation, one to regulate short-term rentals and another to help reduce homelessness. Council’s next meeting will be Monday, June 3rd.    Regulating Short-Term Rentals: Legislation that enacts a licensing procedure and regulations for the use and operation of short-term rentals…


  • Cleveland City Council summary of May 6th meeting

    (Plain Press June 2024) City Council held its regular meeting on Monday May 6th, both in person in Council Chambers and live streamed. Here are the highlights:    A Cleveland Legend, a New Landmark: Council approved designating the Jesse Owens House as a Cleveland Landmark. The house, 2178 East 100th St., was where he lived while…


  • City Council approves funds for May Dugan refugee program

       (Plain Press May 2024) At its April 22nd meeting, Cleveland CityCouncil approved providing the May Dugan Center $50,000 in funding to provide services to refugees arriving in Cleveland. The funds will be used by the HIAS program (formerly the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) which is “the Jewish humanitarian organization that provides critical services to…


  • Cleveland City Council passes resolution calling for cease fire in Gaza

         (Plain Press April 2024) After months of protests and public commenters at Cleveland City Council meetings asking Cleveland City Council to call for a cease fire in Gaza, Cleveland City Council passed a ceasefire resolution at its March 25th 2024 meeting.      Following the meeting, Cleveland City Council Chief of Communications Joan Mazzolini released…


  • City Council members listen to residents’ concerns about inequities in City’s budget

    PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN Tuesday, February 13, 2024; Estabrook Recreation Center, 4125 Fulton Road, Ward 7 City Council Representative Stephanie Howse-Jones interacts with residents at a meeting hosted by some City Council members to talk with residents about the City of Cleveland Budget. PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN Tuesday, February 13, 2024; Estabrook Recreation Center, 4125…


  • Petition signers urge Cleveland City Council to pass resolution in support of ceasefire in Gaza

    To the Editor: Open letter to members of Cleveland City Council;    (Plain Press February 2024) The ongoing military occupation and the enduring siege of Gaza stand as defining factors that profoundly shape the daily lives of Palestinians across the world, including in Cleveland. These conditions permeate every aspect of Palestinian existence, casting a long-lasting…