‘I buy crack houses’ billboards spark backlash in Cleveland neighborhoods

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.