During a recent city commission meeting, residents voiced their concerns regarding the proposed widening of the median along Grandview Parkway. The discussion was prompted by a memo that indicated the median could potentially be narrowed, a topic that has been under public scrutiny for some time.

City resident Fred Bember emphasized the importance of preserving the existing green space, which functions as an informal park and is home to the Tart Trail. He argued that expanding the median to 12 feet would encroach on this area, necessitating the removal of mature trees and diminishing the park-like atmosphere that benefits families and children in the community. Bember suggested that a narrower median of 6 feet, similar to that on Division Street, would suffice for safety without sacrificing valuable green space.

Mary Mills, another resident, echoed Bember's sentiments, highlighting the environmental implications of increasing impervious surfaces and reducing green areas. She questioned the city’s commitment to being eco-friendly if it proceeded with plans that would disrupt a well-utilized community space. Mills pointed out that the current configuration is safe and serves the community well, urging the commission to consider compromises that would protect both traffic safety and the neighborhood's quality of life.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between urban development and community preservation, as residents called for a reevaluation of the proposed plans to ensure that the needs of the community are met without compromising their cherished green spaces.