A series of controversial billboards declaring "Yes! I buy crack houses" have been removed from Cleveland, Ohio, neighborhoods after residents and local officials called them offensive and disrespectful.
The billboards, paid for by out-of-town investor John Williams, appeared in multiple locations across the city, including at East 79th Street and Carnegie Avenue. Community activist Keturah Thompson, who lives nearby, said the messaging crossed a line. "This is my community ... these are not crack houses," Thompson told WKYC, adding that the homes are part of families' histories and neighborhood pride.
Thompson contacted Williams directly to ask that he remove the signs, but after he declined, she turned to social media and urged elected officials to act. Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin responded, coordinating with Lamar Advertising to have the signs taken down within 48 hours. In total, about eight billboards were removed.
"These out-of-town investors ... are not doing our city any good," Griffin said. "What he believes is some people's trash is a lot of other people's joy."
Williams, who claims on his Instagram page to buy 30+ houses a month, defended his advertising, saying the blunt language draws attention to abandoned properties and helps him buy and renovate homes that would otherwise sit empty.
"It brings attention to the issue ... Some people may say using that specific word is not good, but the properties do exist," he told WOIO. "We all see them."
Griffin rejected that explanation, especially in predominantly Black neighborhoods. "You're being condescending, you're being demeaning, and you're being disrespectful," he countered.
Community members say the fight isn't over, but for now, they're relieved to see the billboards come down.
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