During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the significant decline in Erie’s population, which has dropped by over 50% in the past 40 years. A speaker emphasized the need for city officials to redirect their focus from beautification projects, such as those planned for 12th Street, to addressing the underlying issues that have led to businesses leaving the area.

The speaker criticized the allocation of taxpayer funds towards projects that do not address the root causes of the city's economic challenges. They called for investment in empirical research to gather data on critical factors affecting the community, such as traffic patterns and pedestrian usage in key areas. The argument was made that understanding these metrics is essential for making informed decisions that could revitalize the local economy and improve housing conditions.

The discussion highlighted a growing frustration among residents regarding the prioritization of projects that may not yield tangible benefits for the community, urging city leaders to focus on actionable data that could lead to sustainable solutions for Erie’s ongoing struggles.