EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — East Cleveland is trying to fight back against growing illegal dumping, arson fires and vacant burned-out buildings in a three-block area of the city, and has now called on Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley asking for help.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley told News 5 he'll be speaking with Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne in the coming days to see if there is any way the county can provide some demolition or enforcement assistance. “East Cleveland is looked upon as a garbage can," Hill said. “This is a health hazard, this makes no sense whatsoever, this violation is chronic, it’s been going on for years and something need to be done about it."
Ward 3 East Cleveland Councilman Lateek Shabazz said the city will take down three vacant apartment buildings on Feb. 20, and the fire department is installing free smoke detectors in the homes of concerned residents in that neighborhood, but said safety lighting is desperately needed on the streets being hit by arson and illegal dumping.