Council refers Broadway Commons correspondence to next meeting after split vote; supporters and opponents spoke

Lorain City Council referred correspondence from Broadway Commons Inc. and Eden Housing regarding a proposed permanent supportive housing project to the next regular council meeting for action after a split vote.

Councilwoman Mangowski moved to place the correspondence on the next meeting agenda for action; the motion was seconded and carried with three dissenting votes (Councilmembers Duvall, Kempton and Felicity voted no). Council members explained the referral was to allow a 30-day public comment period and to prepare any required legislative action, including a letter from the legislative body if necessary to proceed.

Councilwoman Mangowski said she had drafted a required legislative letter and submitted it to the clerk; other council members noted the matter involves regulatory steps and that staff notified them the project had completed property transfers and received funding but needed council action to proceed.

During public comments later in the meeting, several residents spoke strongly about the Broadway Commons matter. Joanne Selena and other speakers said they opposed the project and raised concerns about neighborhood impacts and past experiences with similar projects. Other public speakers emphasized the need for process and community input.

The correspondence will return to the full council for action at the next meeting; council members said any written public comments submitted during the 30-day period will be accepted as part of the record.