Meeting summary:

  • Cincinnati City Council praised the diligence and work ethic of the city’s first responders and said it expects the same from community members. 
  • Youth in Cincinnati have a wide variety of free options for positive recreation. 
  • The City of Cincinnati prioritizes engaging youth and teens, according to council members.

Documenter’s follow-up question:

  • Will youth be interested in working at food access neighborhood hubs? 
  • Will Cincinnati’s youth/teen programs help reduce youth gun violence in our neighborhoods?

Notes

Council addresses shooting at Riverfront Live 

In response to the nine individuals who were “senselessly shot” at Riverfront Live on March 1, Mayor Aftab Pureval thanked the first responders for working quickly enough so “what was already a tragedy was prevented from being even worse.” Pureval also expressed gratitude to the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) investigators for their assistance in apprehending suspects. 

Council Member Anna Albi commended the Victim Assistance Team led by Karen Rumsey at CPD District 4 for their work in supporting those who were shot. Albi highlighted victim support sessions where people can get access to therapy and assistance with victim compensation.

Council honors Cincinnati Fire Department for heroic efforts

Vice Mayor Jan Michele Lemon-Kearney and Council Member Scotty Johnson recognized Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD), specifically Ladder 31, Engine 49 and Heavy Rescue 9, for their “professionalism, bravery and compassionate response” at Bramble Park on Feb. 11.

According to Kearney, CFD first responders prevented an 11-year-old girl with Autism from falling in a nearly-frozen body of water. Fire crews, along with the help of the child’s father, “carefully developed a rescue plan designed to ensure her safety while minimizing distress,” Kearney added.

Albi, a Madisonville resident, added, “thank you for saving my neighbor. I’m really grateful.”

Stipends for Youth at Food Access Neighborhood Hubs 

The Impact Award was passed last year in support of food access via urban farms and neighborhood hubs. Stipends will be provided for youth to work at these hubs in an effort to “engage the next generation of leaders to make sure their voices are at the table,” according to Albi. 

Queen City SWISH kicks off March 6 

The Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) will provide a free basketball program for teens that, according to Pureval, will build community and mentorship opportunities. North Avondale Recreation Center will host the kick off at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 6. 

Center for Closing the Health Gap’s “Empowering Parents” Session 

Kearney announced that  the Cincinnati Association of Black Psychologists will be working with the Center for Closing the Health Gap to host an “Empowering Parents” session on March 7. 

From 9 a.m.  to 11:30 a.m. at the Holloman Center for Justice in the Avondale Town Center, parents will be connected to resources to help support themselves and their families. The title of the town hall is, “When our kids are carrying more than we can see.” 

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@signalcincinnati.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.

Find more Documenters’ notes here.