Resident alleges councilmember influence in red-curb changes; councilor says change addressed safety

A Caldwell resident told the City Council on April 21 that newly painted red curbs at several residential intersections appeared to be ordered to benefit a councilmember and lacked formal justification.

Christopher Lane Blackmer said, during the meeting’s public comment period, that a public‑records request showed a council member personally initiated a request to paint red curbs at the corners of Bridal Avenue & Dewey Lane and Brian Avenue & Ross Lane. Blackmer said the steps “were not based on any formal traffic study or community feedback” and called the change “a breach of public trust” if city resources were used for private benefit.

Councilor Diana Register — referenced by the speaker as living near one of the corners — responded at the meeting. Register said she had forwarded neighbors’ safety concerns about parked cars blocking sight lines after multifamily construction nearby increased on‑street parking. She told council that the mayor suggested painting the curb red (not a personal favor) and that staff had discussed options, including limiting parking on one side of the street.

Register said the curb‑painting follows code standards (for example prohibiting parking within a set distance from intersections) and that the city acted to address safety risks for drivers and children waiting for buses. She said the red curbs were not a “favor” but a response to residents’ concerns after conversations with public‑works staff and the mayor.

The council did not take formal action on the matter that evening; the exchange occurred as part of audience participation.

• Who spoke: Christopher Lane Blackmer (resident/commenter); Councilor Diana Register (respondent).