Cleveland City Council held their regular meeting Monday evening, advancing several key contracts while a major initiative to curb the proliferation of smoke and vape shops in the city gained momentum in committee.
The Zoning-Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee unanimously passed emergency ordinances on April 8 that would dramatically restrict new smokeshops in Cleveland. The new regulations would prohibit smoke shops from opening within two miles of existing stores and limit advertising to 25% coverage of exterior windows.
During Tuesday’s committee hearing, Ward 1 Councilman Joseph T. Jones voiced strong support for the restrictions, stating, “We don’t want a Sodom and Gomorrah in our neighborhood”. He expressed frustration about the concentration of tobacco and alcohol retailers in certain neighborhoods while grocery stores remain scarce.
The smoke shop regulations represent a response to what city officials describe as a crisis, with approximately 600 smoke and vape shops now operating in Cleveland. Public Health Director David Margolius has been leading efforts to address the city’s smoking rates, which are among the highest for a city of Cleveland’s size.
The new regulations are slated for consideration by the Finance Committee on April 14, with a full council vote expected the same day.
In other business, council members approved an emergency ordinance allowing the Director of Public Utilities to renew a contract with Johnson Controls Fire Protection for inspection and maintenance of fire protection systems across various city facilities.
The council also authorized the Director of Public Health to lease space in the Northern Ohio Blanket Mills building at 3466 St. Rocco’s Court for a new healthcare clinic. The ten-year lease with Blanket Mills Prime Tenant, LLC will establish a new healthcare facility, expanding medical services in the area.
The City Planning Commission announced the acceptance of a gift valued at approximately $170,000 from Cuyahoga County, consisting of installed bicycle racks and signs for shared mobility parking hubs throughout Cleveland. This addition supports the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance alternative transportation options.
Several members of council offered condolence resolutions, including those for Francis McGarry, Dawud Ali, James Edward Williams, Melvia Watson, Anita France, Mattie L. Adams, and George Edwards, with moments of silence observed for each.
On a more celebratory note, the council recognized Virginia Bynum on her 100th birthday and approved a congratulatory resolution for Village of Joy Birthing Beautiful Communities, highlighting their work in maternal health.
Council also passed a resolution declaring April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in Cleveland, recognizing organizations working to address disparities in maternal health outcomes.
Other approved items included a contract amendment with Youth Opportunities Unlimited to expand youth employment recruitment and coaching services, reflecting the city’s continued focus on youth development initiatives.
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