CANFIELD — Some residents concerned over the newly formed Canfield R.E.D. (Racial Equality and Diversity) contacted Council President John Morvay, while resident Cory McLain spoke at the Wednesday meeting.

McLain also was in attendance at the Nov. 15 public meeting at the Canfield Library. He told council at that time he was concerned over what one of the new group’s leaders said regarding lowering the median house prices to attract more people of color.

“I hope you (council) do what you can to protect my home,” McLain said.

He went on to address the idea that some people of color are afraid to even travel through Canfield, but said he does not believe that is the case.

“If you are doing something wrong, then you should get pulled over,” he said.

Accompanying McLain to the meeting was his mother, Kathy McLain from Niles. She said her family rose through poverty through hard work and education, and that it was available to anyone, regardless of color.

“It shouldn’t be about black or white,” she said. “It should be about a safe place to raise a family. Canfield is a nicer neighborhood. Many say they can’t afford to live there, but I say you can afford to live there if you want to. It takes getting a good education and working hard.”

She said bringing in low-income housing can also bring in problems.

“If you have homes starting out at $150,000, it attracts, decent hard-working people,” she said. “When you build a high rise (section 8) building, you bring in high-rise problems like drugs and crime.”

Morvay said he received calls with similar comments and concerns about the newly formed group. No one was in the audience from Canfield R.E.D. to offer a response.

In other business:

• Council approved the following residents to fill open positions: Anthony Nacarato to the Design Review / Historic Preservation Committee with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2024; Scott Kamenista to the Civil Service Commission with term expiring Dec. 31, 2024, and to the Income Tax Review Board with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2023; Andrew Zunic and Christine Oliver to the Income Tax Review Board both with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2023; and John Morvay and Richard Russo to the Cardinal Joint Fire Board, each with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2022.

• Frank Micchia addressed council on flooding. He said Bradford and South Briarcliff need pipeline upgrades.