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Heated public comment at Lincoln Heights meeting over JED, Evendale partnership and alleged council misconduct
Summary
Residents used public comment at the Feb. 24 Lincoln Heights council meeting to accuse council members of dishonesty, challenge talks about a Joint Economic Development district (JED) with nearby communities, voice opposition to partnering with Evendale, and demand accountability; meeting decorum broke down and attempts to adjourn failed. The council did not take formal action in response during the meeting.
An extended public-comment period at the Village of Lincoln Heights meeting on Feb. 24 became the forum for a broad set of accusations and demands from residents who said the council has been dishonest and that recent council actions could be overturned.
A speaker identified at the lectern as a village resident accused the council of misrepresenting facts to residents and of illegally removing a council member, citing the village charter’s Sections 209 and 210 regarding vacancies and removals. "Why do we continue to be dishonest to the residents," the resident said, also urging people to "stay informed" and criticizing the mayor’s public stance on a local boycott.
Other residents pressed the council for clarity on a state bill often described in the meeting as Senate Bill 29 and a proposed Joint Economic Development (JED) concept that could pair Lincoln Heights with another municipality. A resident asked whether Lincoln Heights would be able to choose its partner community and whether Evendale would be involved. Council members responded repeatedly that the state must pass the bill first and that further local discussion would follow.
Gary Brown urged a focus on economic development and practical steps: reclaiming grant dollars, restoring a local court, using workforce development funds to address a brownfield site, reducing blight, recruiting businesses and pursuing grant writers. "We need to get self sufficient," Brown said, urging council to pursue grants and accountability.
Another resident, who identified himself as Floyd, said Lincoln Heights should reject Evendale as a partner and argued the village could pursue federal cleanup grants and workforce development support to reclaim land (the "gun range" parcel) for local development. Floyd said he had posted video evidence of past statements from local leaders about the land and encouraged residents to view it online.
The meeting became disorderly as speakers argued and the clerk and mayor attempted to maintain order. Multiple efforts to adjourn were made; one motion to adjourn failed after roll call and the council left public comment open. No formal council decisions on the JED, the alleged removals, or the levy were made during the meeting.
