Controversial Billboards in Cleveland Spark Backlash

A billboard in Cleveland reads “Yes! I buy crack houses,” part of a controversial ad campaign by a local investor that has sparked backlash from residents and city officials who say the messaging is offensive and disrespectful. (WOIO)

A series of bold billboards scattered across Cleveland is drawing sharp criticism from neighbors and city leaders alike. With slogans like “Yes! I buy crack houses” and “Your house is trash? I’ll pay cash,” the signs have sparked a debate over neighborhood revitalization, free speech, and respect for struggling communities.

The messages are the work of businessman John Williams, who says he buys and renovates abandoned homes to provide affordable housing. But many residents say the billboards feel like an insult to the neighborhoods they’re supposed to help.

Why are these Cleveland Billboards Causing Backlash?

The backstory:

One of the billboards near West 78th Street and Lorain Avenue prompted residents to speak out about the language being used.

“Why he picked, ‘Yes, I buy crack houses,’ We don’t know. But it’s in poor taste,” a neighbor told WOIO 19 News, FOX affiliate in Cleveland.

Williams, the businessman behind the campaign, defended the choice of words as deliberate and effective.

“When you mention crack houses or abandoned houses it gets attention. It brings attention to the issue, and it also brings in leads, which we could acquire these properties that are just sitting there,” Williams told 19 News.

“Some people may say using that specific word is not good, but the properties do exist. We all see them. We all either chose to accept that it is that, or ignore it. It looks like it’s been a problem that’s been ignored for decades.”

Williams added that the properties he targets are typically “dilapidated, abandoned, not occupied” and that his goal is to “fix up these homes” for affordable housing.

What We Know

The billboards were created by John Williams, a local investor who buys and renovates distressed homes.

At least one sign was placed in a predominantly Black neighborhood, sparking accusations of disrespect and stereotyping.

‘We buy crack houses’ signs stir outrage in Cleveland neighborhood

A controversial billboard campaign in Cleveland is turning heads—and raising eyebrows. Signs reading “Yes! I buy crack houses” and “Your house is trash? I’ll pay cash” have popped up in multiple neighborhoods, prompting backlash from residents and city leaders. Businessman John Williams, who posted the ads, says he’s buying abandoned homes to revitalize communities. But critics say the messaging is disrespectful and racially insensitive. Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin is calling for the billboards to come down.

City leaders, including the Cleveland City Council president, have publicly condemned the campaign.

What We Don’t Know

It’s unclear how many billboards were put up or whether the city has the authority to remove them.

Williams has not shared whether the campaign has led to increased business or community support.

No legal action has been announced as of now regarding the signage.

Local Perspective

Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin was one of the most vocal critics of the billboards.

“Whenever you talk about, ‘Your house is trash, we pay cash,’ and whenever you talk about, ‘We buy crack houses,’ and you come into a predominantly poor, African American community — you’re sending a clear message,” Griffin told 19 News.

“You’re being condescending, you’re being demeaning, and you’re being disrespectful.”

He added that the billboards should be taken down immediately and that “this is not a good way to do business in the community.”

What’s Next

It remains to be seen whether the city or billboard companies will intervene. While Williams maintains the billboards serve a purpose by spotlighting abandoned homes, city officials may explore whether the campaign violates local advertising guidelines or community standards.

The Source: This article is based on reporting from WOIO 19 News, the FOX affiliate in Cleveland. All quotes were taken directly from on-air and published interviews conducted by 19 News with businessman John Williams and Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the billboards in Cleveland highlights the importance of considering the impact of language and messaging on communities. While the intention behind the campaign may have been to revitalize neighborhoods, the execution has been widely criticized as insensitive and disrespectful. As the city moves forward, it will be important to prioritize community feedback and concerns in order to create effective and respectful solutions for addressing abandoned homes and promoting affordable housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do the billboards say?

A: The billboards read “Yes! I buy crack houses” and “Your house is trash? I’ll pay cash”.

Q: Who created the billboards?

A: The billboards were created by John Williams, a local investor who buys and renovates distressed homes.

Q: Why are people upset about the billboards?

A: Many residents and city leaders feel that the language used on the billboards is offensive and disrespectful, particularly in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

Q: What is the goal of the billboard campaign?

A: According to John Williams, the goal of the campaign is to acquire and renovate abandoned homes in order to provide affordable housing.

Q: Will the billboards be taken down?

A: It is unclear at this time whether the billboards will be removed, but city officials are exploring options for addressing the controversy.