Residents press council on trees, police conduct, reparations and local programs at citizens forum

Speakers at the Cincinnati City Council citizens forum raised a range of neighborhood concerns, from hazardous street trees and potholes to allegations of police misconduct and calls for measurable reparative investments.

Ryan Saud, introduced by the Moderator, told council that trees outside his business on East McMicken Avenue have been neglected for years and that branches recently fell near a neighbor. He said the properties are under a POA, that his 311 request led to a brief reply about a forestry contractor and that he wanted guidance on filing a nuisance abatement or whether he could safely trim trees himself.

Several speakers criticized city processes and priorities. Todd Zinsser urged greater due diligence before committing $8,000,000 toward the Farmer Music Center, saying he received an eight‑page presentation with limited dated financial detail and questioned the $15,000,000 projected in new tax revenue. Jason Wimbush and Nate Tubbs called for more youth activities and local cultural investment — Tubbs asked the city to support a boxing hall‑of‑fame and to enhance the Ezza Charles statue as a destination.

Multiple speakers raised concerns about policing and accountability. 'Big Al' described multiple recent arrests he said were wrongful and alleged physical assault by Officers Conrad and Schultz; he said body‑camera footage exists and said he is pursuing medical and legal recourse. Daniel Burridge, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cincinnati (MARC), urged continued commitment to the city's Collaborative Agreement — a police‑accountability framework adopted after unrest in 2001 — and praised long‑standing community practitioners who maintain it.

Vanessa Sparks (on Zoom) framed a reparatory justice argument by citing a recent U.N. General Assembly vote and local history of displacement tied to the city’s 1948 master plan. "Now it's time for the council to act, to move beyond apology into real measurable reparative investments for Black residents of City Of Cincinnati," she said.

Other public comments called for road repairs and a 'pothole blitz', questioned utility billing practices, and described housing instability. Carol Cunningham said she is homeless and sleeping in a U‑Haul and urged officials to prioritize affordable, stable housing. Mike Eulhorn accused Greater Cincinnati Water Works of charging customers while failing to provide water and suggested council should examine laws governing utility billing.

The forum also briefly paused when the Moderator announced an alleged weapon had been brought into City Hall; the Moderator said police acted immediately and that the incident remained under investigation before the meeting resumed.

Council did not take direct policy action on these public comments during the session; several speakers requested follow‑up from specific departments or legal guidance. The forum preceded a business session in which the council adopted two information requests on school‑zone crashes and building‑inspections data.