During a recent city council meeting, residents from the Highlands neighborhood voiced urgent concerns regarding rising crime rates and proposed housing developments that they believe threaten the character and safety of their community.

A representative from the Highlands Neighborhood Association highlighted the distress caused by an influx of offers to purchase homes for redevelopment into multi-family units, which residents argue do not align with the existing single-family home structure of the area. The speaker emphasized that these developments, often marketed as affordable housing, are leading to increased rents and a surge in crime, including recent shootings and drug-related incidents.

Another resident echoed these sentiments, recounting personal experiences with crime and the challenges of living in a neighborhood that has seen a significant rise in homelessness and drug activity. They called for increased police presence to combat these issues and expressed frustration over the lack of effective solutions from the city.

Michael O'Neil, a former oxygen delivery driver familiar with the area, urged the council to prioritize the Highlands community's needs, arguing that their concerns deserve the same attention given to other neighborhoods. He acknowledged the necessity for more housing units in the city but cautioned against placing them in already densely populated areas like the Highlands.

Several speakers requested a pause on the approval of new multi-family housing developments, advocating for a thorough review of zoning regulations to ensure that the community's voice is heard in the planning process. They argued that the current infrastructure cannot support the proposed density and that the developments could exacerbate existing crime problems.

The meeting also touched on the city's financial management, with discussions surrounding the hiring of a temporary finance director to assist with the upcoming budget process. Council members expressed concerns about the ongoing reliance on consultants rather than filling key positions within the city staff, highlighting a need for more sustainable solutions to governance challenges.

As the meeting concluded, the council agreed to enter an executive session to discuss potential litigation, indicating ongoing complexities in addressing the community's concerns and the city's operational challenges. The residents left the meeting hopeful for a more collaborative approach to their issues, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in city planning and safety initiatives.