At City Club, a rare public clash over homelessness policy
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The new Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless seasonal shelter on East 19th Street. Photo: Sam Allard/Axios
A confrontation at the City Club of Cleveland this month exposed a simmering feud over how the city addresses homelessness.
State of play: The Superior Arts District in downtown Cleveland has become ground zero for the tension after the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) opened a seasonal shelter there in January.
Driving the news: During the March 6 forum, NEOCH executive director Chris Knestrick recounted a recent clash with the Superior Arts District and Downtown Cleveland Inc.
- Knestrick said the groups pushed to shut the shelter down during a prolonged cold snap — despite there being no reported issues with guests — arguing the shelter reduced property values in the area.
- "I was glad that NEOCH's new building was helping [make] downtown just a little bit more affordable for just about everyone," Knestrick quipped.
The intrigue: Michael Deemer, CEO of Downtown Cleveland Inc., which manages the Superior Arts District, was in attendance and responded during the event's Q&A.
- He disputed Knestrick's characterization and asked whether NEOCH would work with them on a coordinated plan for services downtown.
What they're saying: Knestrick said he would, but he also pointed to an existing county-led strategy to end unsheltered homelessness, one that calls for expanded shelter and a permanent navigation center.
- Deemer told Axios after the event that he remains committed to "ensuring those who are experiencing hardship receive the compassionate care and resources they need," while also advocating for a downtown that works for residents and businesses.
💠Sam's thought bubble: It is exceedingly rare for City Club speakers to call out institutions by name during their remarks, something CEO Dan Moulthrop acknowledged in a follow-up blog post.
- But the confrontation felt more squarely aligned with the City Club's commitment to free speech than anything else I've heard there in quite some time.
The latest: Knestrick told Axios he and Deemer met for coffee the following week — what he called a "starting point" for rebuilding trust and collaboration.
- "We agree on the goal of ending unsheltered homelessness," he said, "but we need to continue to align on the method."