Hastings Proposes Emergency Declaration to Address Turney Road Corridor Issues
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 Desi 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 Milo Cis 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.
- Fire Department: The department has responded to 2,434 total calls this year, including 1,973 emergency medical calls and 43 fire-related incidents. A new ambulance has been delivered and will be in service by month’s end.
- Building Department: The department has launched a new online portal allowing residents and contractors to apply for licenses, schedule inspections, and pull permits.
Library Programs and Events
Tony Feno from the Garfield Heights library announced several upcoming programs:
- Summer Reading Program: Beginning the first week of June with a new format focusing on encouraging children to read rather than requiring specific reading minutes.
- Summer Fun for Everyone: A drop-in program from 10 a.m. to noon featuring crafts and special guests, with a summer lunch program immediately following at noon.
- Toy Drive: Scheduled for May 21 from noon to 4 p.m., distributing toys donated by Toys for Tots.
Feno also mentioned the library is looking to provide outreach services for special needs adult groups and senior centers in the community.
Legislation Approved
Council unanimously approved all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda, including:
- Ordinances 42-2025 and 43-2025 authorizing participation in Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District programs for the Maple Row and East 126th sewer separation project and the I-480 sanitary sewer crossing project.
- Ordinances 44-2025 and 45-2025 approving collective bargaining agreements with the Fraternal Order of Police for jailers, jail commanders, records clerks, and safety dispatchers.
- Resolution 21-2025 authorizing application for a training and equipment grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Medical Services.
- Resolution 22-2025 adopting the solid waste management plan for the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District.
Community Events Announced
During miscellaneous business, council members announced several upcoming community events:
- Councilwoman Jennifer Newrones announced the Ward 7 blockwatch meeting on May 29 at 7 p.m. in the St. Monica’s Pavilion.
- The Garfield Heights Memorial Day parade will be held Monday, May 26, starting at 10 a.m. from Maple Leaf and proceeding to the Veterans Plaza for a ceremony.
- Councilwoman Tenisha Mack announced the Ward 2 welcome back meeting on May 17 from 4-5 p.m. and a Lupus awareness walk on May 24 at 1 p.m. at the Red Oak shelter.
- Councilwoman Rachelle Tonsing mentioned Marymount’s produce drive on May 28 from 12-2 p.m., with entry off 126th Street.
Council members also acknowledged National Police Week and Mental Health Awareness Month during their remarks.
