Several residents used the Aberdeen City Council public-comment period on July 9 to press the council on a range of neighborhood issues including traffic safety, homelessness, abandoned animals and amenities for visitors.

Gabriel, a resident, said drivers have been ignoring a new four-way stop and a nearby intersection by the post office, creating dangerous situations. "People are flying through," Gabriel said, asking the city to monitor the new configuration and consider additional safety measures. Becky Durr urged installation of a marked crosswalk on the east side of the bridge at Aberdeen Crossing, saying the bridge and approaches make it hard for drivers to see pedestrians and wheelchairs needing to cross.

Multiple residents raised concerns about people sleeping in vehicles and camping near homes. Gabriel said he had contacted the police about specific confrontations and garbage left near his property. He also described repeated instances of people leaving belongings around vehicles and encamping in public spaces.

Gabriel and other commenters described repeated incidents of animals abandoned at Sandman Park, noting kittens left in the park and urging more action from animal control. A resident said she had sent photos to the parks-and-recreation director and animal-control staff but wanted more proactive enforcement.

Public commenters also suggested infrastructure and visitor-service improvements. Becky Durr proposed installing public restrooms near downtown attractions, saying other nearby towns provide such facilities and that restrooms would encourage visitors to stop in Aberdeen. Separately, a speaker who described work with a private traffic-pattern analytics firm said the recent World Music Day event brought about 11,600 visitors over three days and that many visitors lingered downtown, which the speaker said suggests opportunities for local businesses.

Library staff members, including Shamus Grabe and Janice Raffi from Timberland Regional Library, reminded residents of summer programs at North End Playfield, Garley Park and the Aberdeen Beebe branch and noted the library’s role in partnering with the YMCA and school district to provide meals and activities.

No council action was taken during the public-comment period; staff and council members acknowledged the issues and staff indicated contact channels for follow-up.