Family of teen killed on Cleveland’s west side urges cameras and lighting; council members debate traffic enforcement

Family members of a 17-year-old who was fatally shot on the city’s west side appealed to Cleveland City Council for cameras, better lighting and neighborhood repairs during the council’s public-comment period.

"We were told there were none. If there were some working cameras, maybe we would be maybe going, looking at justice being served," said Janelle Hemphill, who identified herself as representing Jojo’s World Foundation and introduced her grandson, Josiah Jade Gardner, whom she said was killed Oct. 5 at 131st and Gilmore. Hemphill asked council to "give [the family] your voice" and provide information and support as they grieve.

Aisha Gardner, who identified herself as the mother of Josiah Gardner, described arriving at the scene and finding boarded windows, no street lights and what she said were speeding cars in the area. "I'm seeking for justice and help," she said, urging cameras, lighting, street repairs and more police patrols.

The pleas came amid a string of public comments about policing, public health and city responsiveness. Daryl Houston criticized city leadership and the health department's director, and other residents raised concerns about housing and elder-care supports.

Council members discussed neighborhood safety and enforcement in the later miscellaneous portion of the meeting. Councilman Joe Jones urged expanded traffic enforcement, saying it removes guns and drugs from neighborhoods and noting an historical decline in city-issued traffic tickets compared with prior years. "Traffic out of control so bad ... every street in my neighborhood wants to have speed tables," Jones said.

Councilman Kevin Conwell cautioned that enforcement must be balanced. He said his review of courtrooms shows a disproportionate number of Black and brown residents receiving tickets and warned of barriers to employment that arise from fines and court records. "When you look around and majority of the people that received tickets ... looked like me as well as Black and brown people," Conwell said.

Councilman Richard Starr said enforcement is necessary to make streets safe but urged proper resourcing and civilian oversight to ensure fairness. "When you talk about traffic enforcement, it's about making sure our neighborhoods are safe," Starr said.

The council did not take a formal vote on installing cameras, lighting or specific traffic policy at this meeting. Several members referenced prior or upcoming safety-committee work and community meetings; no new funding or contract awards were announced during the session. The meeting concluded with the clerk excusing absences and the council adjourning to the call of the chair.