Business Owner Calls for Action on Youth Behavior at Garfield Heights Council Meeting

During the May 12 Garfield Heights City Council meeting, local business owner Weldon Hastings presented concerns about youth behavior along the Turney Road corridor, proposing immediate action to address growing disruptions in the business district. Hastings, who owns Weldon PC on Turney Road, described a situation where groups of 20 to 50 young people "linger, vandalize, fight and intimidate businesses and residents" on city streets each afternoon. He cited recent incidents including two damaged cars on Turney Road, with one appearing to have been "t-boned when one student threw another student head first into a car." "Last week two cars were damaged on Turney Road," said Hastings. "The police are doing their job, council's doing their job. Police disperse the issues in one corner and they go to another corner." Hastings formally requested council propose a state of emergency to Mayor Matthew Burke, suggesting a 30-day mutual aid surge from other communities, a temporary curfew zone, and what he called a "140 incident exit trigger." He advocated for immediate solutions including a staggered release parent pickup window and additional activities for students. "Meetings aren't going to fix the problem, talks aren't going to fix the problem," Hastings told council members. "There needs to be immediate action." Hastings announced he would host a Zoom meeting on Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m. to develop an action plan, leaving flyers with his contact information for interested residents. Council President Avery Johnson responded to Hastings' concerns, stating the council would take his proposal into consideration. Johnson noted he had previously discussed a plan of action with Hastings and would continue following that plan while consulting with all stakeholders. Mayor Burke acknowledged the issues and highlighted initiatives his administration has implemented, including surveillance cameras along Turney Road and improved recreational facilities. He explained that the city prosecutes parents when sufficient evidence exists, but noted legal limitations in the process. "We wouldn't see the things that I've done in the city had we not tried to address things for the children to do," Burke said, citing projects like basketball courts at Debelak Park and a turf field behind the high school. Several council members addressed Hastings' concerns during their remarks. Councilwoman Stacey Collier from Ward 1 emphasized that juvenile crime issues exist throughout the city, sharing a story about a juvenile offender in her ward who received minimal consequences despite numerous offenses. "Six months probation," Collier said regarding the juvenile's sentence. "He cut off an ankle monitor and nothing was done." Councilman Clifford Kelley of Ward 6 urged residents to direct their concerns to the school board as well, noting they meet the same night as council. "Take that same energy to the school board," Kelley said. Law Director Milko Cecez clarified legal constraints, explaining that prosecuting parents requires proof beyond reasonable doubt of their active involvement in children's misbehavior. He also noted that juvenile courts face challenges with reduced funding for intermediate intervention programs, leaving judges with limited options between probation and youth detention. Mayor Reports on Canadian Trip and City Updates Mayor Burke reported on his recent trip to Montreal and Quebec City as part of a delegation of Northeast Ohio mayors. The trip focused on collaborative economic development initiatives, with Burke noting how both Canadian cities emphasize mixed-use development projects that blend commercial, recreational, and living spaces. "These cities have created dedicated economic development funds to attract and support business growth," Burke said. "I almost fell over. Now I know Quebec City is a much bigger city than Garfield Heights, but they only put about $500 million into an economic development fund to attract business." Burke suggested Garfield Heights could benefit from creating a similar, albeit smaller, economic development fund when revenues increase. He also shared that a developer has expressed interest in building along the Turney Road corridor, looking at two city-owned parcels and three privately-owned parcels for a mixed-use development project. The mayor thanked residents for passing Issue 14, stating it represents "a shared commitment to eliminating barriers and moving the city forward together." Department Updates and Ongoing Programs Burke provided several departmental updates, including: Parks and Recreation: T-ball registration is ongoing with extended hours planned for May 17, 19, and 20. The city is actively seeking lifeguards, offering increased pay and bonuses this year. Service Department: Crews are actively patching roads, with the first grass cutting pass of the season underway in Ward 2. The household roundup continues through May 17, concluding with a shred day at the Civic Center. Fir