CLEVELAND — Five days after a gunman opened fire into a crowd of people in downtown Cleveland, city leaders have stepped up to try and provide a solution to create a safer environment.
"These criminals and these individuals who think shooting at somebody, and a gun is always the solution to the problem, they don't run this city," said Ward 5 Cleveland City Councilman Richard Starr.
Starr introduced legislation Wednesday that would require certain businesses which operate between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. to have armed security. Starr told 3News those security guards need to have a "Class 'A' or Class 'C' license certification."
The proposal states that "late night retail establishments," including bars, grocery stores and gas stations must abide by the requirements.
The legislation would also require businesses to operate surveillance cameras on the inside and the outside of their establishment. Owners would then have to register with Cleveland's camera registry that's part of the "Real Time Crime Center."
Starr told 3News this discussion leads to more ideas at council meetings.
"We're talking about doing something about safety in our city," said Starr. "It takes all ideas at the table for us to address this issue."
Furthermore, the legislation states that the included businesses must have four armed security guards if "certain crimes are committed."
3News asked Starr what businesses should do if they can't afford to hire armed security guards as required by this legislation. Starr told 3News those businesses should operate from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. Therefore those businesses would not be required to have security.
In the meantime, Destination Cleveland CEO David Gilbert is lighting up the night. Gilbert told 3News that Destination Cleveland will spend $7 million to illuminate Public Square, and along Euclid Ave. to Playhouse Square.
"Everybody has to play a role and we feel that better lighting after dark is a big role that we can help play to bring more people in, make more people feel safe and help address that issue," said Gilbert.
Cleveland City Council is in recess, and unless there is a special hearing, Starr's proposal won't be discussed until mid-August at the next meeting.
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