Resident urges council to prioritize road, sidewalk repairs and broader youth recreation programs

Erin Longberry of 1515 Temple Avenue told council during the public portion on March 24 she is concerned the city is spending time on an ordinance that criminalizes leaving trash cans out and should instead prioritize infrastructure and youth recreation.

“I believe that that kind of an ordinance was kind of a waste of our city council's time of things that we could be spending time addressing stuff like the conditions of the road, the sidewalks,” Longberry said. She cited specific problems on Temple Avenue, including root-lifted sidewalks that would be difficult for residents using wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Longberry also raised safety concerns about vehicles parking near stop signs on short neighborhood streets and noted difficulties for local businesses moving trucks and trailers through narrow streets when cars are parked close to intersections. She urged the city to examine enforcement and whether the parking 100-foot rule around stop signs is creating unintended hazards.

On recreation, Longberry said families are seeking more options for youth activity outside the Wildcat Fitness Center and aquatic center, and asked the city to consider expanded outdoor courts, extended evening programming and events during higher-risk evening hours to give teenagers supervised activities. She noted summer day camps sell out quickly and suggested expanded capacity or additional programs for the coming year.

The council chair offered to follow up with Longberry after the meeting; no formal action on her requests was taken during the session.