Residents urge city action on Bayshore sidewalks and ask about sports-complex review

Several residents used the council's public comment period to raise separate concerns about sidewalk safety and the potential sports-complex project.

Susan Ali of 2016 Bayshore Drive told the council she walks the Bayshore corridor daily and that the sidewalks between 1313 Bayshore Drive and Wheaton Island are in a dangerous state. She said she has taken photographs and repeatedly contacted public works since April 29 and that an elderly walking partner has already fallen; she asked what further action is required to get repairs completed. Public works staff responded that crews had placed about 800 feet of repair material in other areas and that inspections and repairs have occurred on the corridor; staff asked Ms. Ali to forward pictures, and said they would follow up.

Resident Christine Dyer of 21020 First Street asked whether the proposed military/sports complex project would be subject to a referendum or a public vote, and said she is concerned about additional traffic and the city's growth. The mayor and staff responded that the immediate steps (engineering and design and budget votes) are proceeding and that the council will vote on budget matters (including millage first readings) in the upcoming meeting; staff said public input opportunities on site design and field layouts would follow later in the project schedule. Sarah Cluston of 104 Abbott Circle asked a follow-up about public input opportunities for millage and property use; staff reiterated that design-phase public engagement would come after initial engineering and budget approvals.

A hearing-impaired resident also asked council members to speak more loudly during remarks so she could follow the meeting.

No formal council actions were taken during the public-comment segment; staff committed to follow up on sidewalk repairs and to notify residents about future public engagement opportunities related to the project.