Huntington Bank Buckeye Cleveland branch to reopen Monday

CLEVELAND — Huntington Bank in Cleveland’s Buckeye neighborhood held a community resource fair two days before the branch reopens its doors.

News 5 previously reported that the location would close due to an increase in crime in and around the bank.

CLE Buckeye area to lose Huntington Bank branch despite petition

CONNECTED: Cleveland’s Buckeye neighborhood will lose Huntington Bank branch despite petition

This has impacted community members like Lutana Barnes, who suffered a stroke 10 years ago that left her unable to drive.

“I was able to walk to this bank, and when it closed, I felt like we had nothing,” Barnes said.

Like many in the area, Barnes had to rely on others, such as her elderly mother and public transportation, to get to the nearest bank.

“Banks are absolute anchors of society. Without financial access, it’s hard to run your business and it’s hard to live your life,” said Neighbor-up member Greg Groves.

Groves was a frequent customer of the Buckeye branch, and because of the problems the community was facing, neighbors started a petition to reopen the bank.

“We just felt like we needed to get the community and the bank involved and let the community know that we can do something about this,” Groves said.

Shawn Richardson is the regional president for Huntington Bank in Northeast Ohio. He says the city of Cleveland, Cleveland police and the bank were able to come up with a plan to ensure the safety of customers and employees.

“We believe in the efforts of the Cleveland Police Department; we believe in the authenticity of their efforts and we believe in what they have shown us in terms of reducing crime. We’ve beefed up our security ourselves, so we’re taking this on with their help and the community’s help to make sure it’s safe for everyone,” Richardson said.

More than 100 people came to the branch to celebrate the occasion and learn about the resources the banks will offer.

“About a half-dozen people told me how they were going to come back to Huntington Bank with us or bring new business to us. So we feel very fortunate to hear the community’s reaction to our decision,” Richardson said.

When the branch reopens on Monday, it will resume drive-thru banking and lobby entry will be by appointment only.