The City Council of Erie, Pennsylvania, convened on March 20, 2024, to discuss various community initiatives and updates. The meeting began with Council Member Moe sharing important announcements regarding local events and safety concerns.
Moe highlighted that the upcoming Friday marks the last day of school before a break, which will result in an increase of approximately 12,000 children on the streets. He urged drivers to exercise caution during this time, especially if the weather is warm.
Additionally, Moe announced his annual free Easter basket event, scheduled for March 30 at 11 AM at Odessa's Place, located at 628 West 18th Street. He encouraged community members to volunteer or donate baskets, noting that they typically distribute between 400 to 500 baskets each year.
Council Member Nelson followed with updates from the recent planning commission meeting, where members reviewed a historic plan and zoning resolution that will be voted on in the next meeting. He expressed optimism about the progress of these initiatives.
Nelson also discussed the ongoing exploration of a Home Rule Charter, emphasizing the need for expert guidance in reviewing the current charter and potential options for a more responsive governance structure.
In addition to these discussions, Nelson shared his participation in community events, including Read Across America at Grover Cleveland and a comedy night for the Upper Room. He also mentioned an upcoming boxing event on April 2, where he and Lieutenant Lennox will box to raise funds for addressing homelessness.
The meeting concluded with Nelson reflecting on his personal experiences with sidewalk safety, recalling an incident from a year ago that resulted in a broken hand. He expressed his commitment to advocating for better sidewalk conditions in the city.
Overall, the meeting underscored the council's focus on community engagement, safety, and governance improvements, with several events planned to foster local involvement and support.