Residents describe unsafe building conditions and problems accessing city vacant-building aid; city staff urged to clarify rules

At the citizens forum, tenants and a retired city employee described unsafe living conditions in Cincinnati buildings and problems navigating city programs meant to preserve housing.

Jennifer McNay said she has lived downtown for 10 years and lives across from City Hall. She told council about repeated inspection issues she tied to mold, falling ceilings, pest infestations and persistent elevator failures that she said caused ADA violations and left residents without heat or air conditioning. McNay said multiple management changes had not improved living conditions and that many residents at the property receive HUD subsidies.

Retired city employee Cedric Shields recounted trying to stop demolition of a family property in North Fairmount. Shields said he paid $18,000 under a program he understood would preserve the house and later was told he would not receive reimbursement until the house was made livable, a requirement he said was not clear on the original paperwork.

On Zoom, Mike Eulehorn described a billing dispute with Greater Cincinnati Water Works: he said he purchased a home in Forest Park and was billed for water during the first two months when the meter showed the water was turned off. Eulehorn said he contacted council members, Water Works and the Department of Ethics and Good Government, and he cited "Ohio Revised Code 29 13" in arguing the charges amounted to fraud. He said Water Works told him billing reflects the utility's readiness to provide water.

Council staff offered to follow up. Council referred individuals to administrative staff during the meeting for assistance; no formal policy change or council vote was taken on these complaints at this session. Speakers asked for clearer communication about vacant-building assistance, inspection enforcement and tenants' rights.