Banks closed branches nearly twice as often in Cleveland than the rest of Cuyahoga County, a Signal Cleveland analysis found. This is the Huntington bank branch at 11623 Buckeye Road in Cleveland's Buckeye–Shaker neighborhood, which closed Feb. 9. Bank officials said they temporarily closed the branch because the neighborhood is unsafe. Residents are fighting to keep it open, arguing that closing it represents a form of community disinvestment. Credit: Mark Naymik/Signal Cleveland

Overview:

By Bri Buckley

Vandals hit the ATM at the Huntington Bank branch on Buckeye Road and tried to take the machine, but instead they damaged it extensively, according to police.

The branch has been temporarily closed due to an increase in violent crime. The ATM was the only thing left open.

“I was cussing and swearing, OK, that was my first reaction,” said Bob Render.

Render is one of many fighting to keep the branch open to continue serving the community. Many people in the neighborhood don’t have any way to travel to other nearby banks.

He helped gather 800 signatures after Huntington announced it would permanently close this location. The bank later changed to a temporary closure following the community response.

Signal background

Ironically, the community group had a meeting with bank and city officials Wednesday morning, which was planned as part of efforts to work together to reduce crime and discuss reopening. Officials shared an update on the crime.

“One, they didn’t get anything. Two, this is a federal offense. Three, the police just acquired the video. They have several suspects. All they’re waiting [for] now is to make an arrest,” Render said.

Safety leaders attended Wednesday’s meeting and shared data with the group.

“They brought some data here to support how the crime has decreased since they stepped up their patrol here, foot patrol visibility,” Rev. Jimmy Gates Sr. said.

The group is continuing its push for the bank to reopen while also calling for dollars to be put back into the surrounding area.

“Banks are important, they need the economic wheel to invest into their neighborhoods into this community, and one incident is not going to destroy this,” said resident Charles Bromley.

3News reached out to Huntington Bank and a spokesperson said:

“We are aware of the damage to our Buckeye Road ATM and are cooperating with police as they investigate. Huntington is still working with the city in the hopes of finding a solution that will allow the branch to open again.”

No word on when the ATM will be back up and running. 

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