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Family urges sidewalks after hit-and-run death; council hears pitches for SS United States and a pump track
Summary
During public comment a family asked the council to investigate sidewalks and lighting after an on-foot family member was struck in a hit-and-run; other public speakers proposed the city pursue the SS United States and requested funding for a pump track and local sports events.
Several members of the public used the meeting’s petition-and-communications period to press the council on pedestrian safety and other civic projects.
Lisa M. Washington, joined by her daughter Courtney Jackson and Rasheed Shuford, told the council they lost a family member who was struck while walking on Michael Boulevard. Washington said her son had been engaged in anti-violence efforts and that when he was struck he lay on the street for hours; she told the council, "When we go to visit the place, the spot where he lay dying for 3 hours, you can notice that there are no sidewalks." She asked the council to investigate infrastructure changes including sidewalks, lighting and safer crosswalks.
Rasheed Shuford said police told the family the man "was walking where he should be walking" when a vehicle left the road and struck him. Courtney Jackson said she had relocated to Mobile and called for a safer city for pedestrians "in the name of my brother, Brian Richard Jackson." Council members and the mayor expressed condolences, described ongoing city efforts to expand sidewalks, and advised the family to contact the district councilor for more targeted follow-up.
Other public commenters asked the council to consider preservation of the ocean liner SS United States. Andrea Davis asked the council to consider forming a committee to explore acquiring or otherwise rescuing the ship from scrapping; she compared the proposal to the Queen Mary in Long Beach and said the ship could serve as a museum or tourist attraction.
Raymond McGuire urged the council to accelerate funding for a proposed pump track (a rolling‑hills bicycle skills park), citing public‑health and inclusive recreation benefits. Charlie McCants, representing the Gulf Coast Gladiators ABA basketball team, invited the council and public to upcoming division and regional championships the team will host, and said the organization runs community youth skills programs.
Council members acknowledged the requests, recommended contacting the appropriate council members and planning staff, and noted limits on the city’s authority and budget: one councilor said sidewalk maintenance adjacent to private property can involve property‑owner obligations and that some projects must be funded through the capital improvements program or grants.
