Multiple residents at the May 28 meeting told the Common Council they face ongoing public-safety and code-enforcement problems in the Far Northwest and on Bergen Street and asked for more active city response.

Logan Foster, a resident of 1138 College Street, opened the public comments with a broad criticism of council conduct and cited a municipal code provision and the state “open door law,” saying the council had not acted to bring its code into conformity. Foster alleged misconduct by named council members; those allegations were presented as his claims and not verified in the meeting record. “If you do not craft and pass legislation… then I must simply ask, what precisely is this body's function?” Foster said.

Residents then focused on specific neighborhood problems. Theresa Phillips, who lives at 2020 North Mead Street, described two nearby properties — she identified 2039 Mead Street and 2506 Bergen Street — as recurring nuisances and said neighbors had repeatedly called code enforcement. Phillips asked what the protocol is for follow-ups after a complaint is filed and said she had seen no response from an inspector on the 2039 Mead matter.

Several Bergen Street residents described sanitation and safety concerns at 2506 Bergen Street. Lily Chandler, 2513 Bergen Street, told the council residents at that address have “no running water or electric” and that occupants were using a chamber pot and “dumping it in that pile and burning it.” Clara Cotton, 2407 Bergen Street, said the property was being used as short-term rentals without permits and described a menacing encounter where a man who identified himself as the owner told neighbors he had nine residents on the property. Emma James, 2525 Bergen Street, reported repeated police responses after incidents that included a dog chasing a neighbor and someone throwing a chair through a front window.

Speakers said neighbors had called police and code enforcement multiple times. Phillips said a property had been in violation since March 22, 2025. James said police had responded “more than 5 times.” Clara Cotton said she had written to the mayor and requested further action.

Sarah Foster of 1138 College Street spoke about broader safety concerns in her neighborhood, including recent shootings and dangerous traffic; she praised police response times but said the frequency of violence makes residents fear for children’s safety. Chris (last name not given), 609 Walden Court East, raised a separate infrastructure request: a lack of sidewalks on Jackson Road between Fellows and Miami Street. He said the city engineer’s office recommended a sidewalk after a school-zone safety evaluation and asked the council to partner with his council member to seek action; he provided photographic evidence of children walking near traffic.

Council members responded that city staff and departments are working with residents. Council President Kenneth Lee and other councilors said they were coordinating with department heads and with the Community Police Review Board’s staff contact (Charles Keene) to address training and procedure issues. Council members reported that code enforcement had cited multiple violations on Bergen Street following citizen reports and that staff would continue follow-up; they did not adopt an immediate policy change or pass a motion at the meeting.

The meeting record shows no formal council action (motions or votes) specifically directing a new enforcement program or funding for Bergen Street or the Jackson Road sidewalk. Council members said they will keep working with residents and department heads; residents requested clearer protocols and timelier responses to complaints.