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Council members urge action as East Side Market closure and Neon Health troubles alarm neighborhood leaders
Summary
Council members and commenters warned that a potential closure of the East Side Market and financial crisis at Neon Health Center threaten neighborhood food access and health care; council members asked the administration for contingency planning and possible legal or federal action.
Council members and residents pressed city leaders on March 23 over the looming closure of the East Side Market and what they described as a financial and management crisis at Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services (Neon).
Councilman Kevin Conwell told the council that the market and Neon are "lifelines of our city," and said he had drafted an urgent letter to the mayor about a possible market closure and a reported $200,000 shortfall. He said he had not been consulted by the administration and warned the closure could expand food deserts in Glenville, Collinwood and surrounding neighborhoods.
"If [Neon] close[s], the burden on our city emergency room will skyrocket," Conwell said, describing reports that Neon employees have not been paid and that some properties face foreclosure. He urged the administration to develop contingency plans now and to meet with councilmembers representing the affected neighborhoods.
Councilman Michael Palenci echoed those concerns and urged an immediate, cross-agency response. Palenci called the situation at Neon "outrageous," alleging mismanagement and calling for a joint strategy with the law director and mayor to determine what the city can do, including possible referrals to federal authorities if warranted.
Several council members who represent East Side neighborhoods said they want a meeting with the administration and the city's law office to explore immediate steps to protect services and residents. Conwell said he was seeking a plan that would shore up access to groceries and health care and examine whether the city can assist Neon or identify alternative providers.
The council did not vote on a specific remedy at the meeting. Members said they would pursue follow-up with the administration and the law director to identify next steps, including contingency planning for food access and community health services.
What’s next: Council members said they will request briefings from the administration and the law director and may propose ordinances or referrals to external investigators depending on what city staff and Neon’s board produce in follow-up discussions.
