Public commenters criticize 'new urbanization' conference and raise concerns about Goshen road closures

Two members of the public spoke during the meeting’s public-comment period, raising concerns about planning staff conference travel and a separate road-closure project in Goshen.

Cindy Hyczyk of Goshen criticized a previous approval that allowed two Planning and Development employees to attend a conference she characterized as promoting “new urbanization,” which she said is “code for 15-minute cities.” Hyczyk said the Community Foundation of Elkhart paid conference fees and that the travel had already occurred prior to the commission’s approval; she urged greater transparency and said she would “be watching for shenanigans” in the future. Her comments were delivered during the public-comment period and were not presented as official findings by the board.

Another resident, identified as Brazney Dumpka, said construction in Prairie Village and the closing of Waterford Parkway and railroad crossings had “boxed” residents in and raised safety concerns for emergency evacuation and access to nursing facilities. Commissioners responded that the project was authorized by the City of Goshen, not the county, and suggested the resident raise the issue with the Goshen City Council. A commissioner said road construction requires temporary closures for reconstruction and that the county did not authorize the city project.

Comments from members of the public do not on their own change county policy; commissioners directed the residents to city channels for city-authorized projects and recorded the remarks in the meeting minutes.