Residents urge city action on homelessness and safer sidewalks for students

Speakers during public comment urged the council to take more direct responsibility for homelessness services and to accelerate pedestrian-safety planning for students who walk or bike to school.

Jason Tolbert described personal experience being unsheltered and urged the city to operate or take over a shelter so federal funding can be managed by the city. Sandra Yeager described ongoing safety risks for women living outside and asked councilmembers to spend 48 hours experiencing homelessness to understand the dangers faced by people on the street. Both speakers called for a stronger, city-led approach and raised concerns about inconsistent nonprofit responses.

Kiersten Weldon, a Forest High School teacher and parent, outlined specific safety concerns for students walking or biking: missing sidewalks, poor lighting, overgrown vegetation, four-lane crossings without crosswalks, and drivers ignoring flashing bus lights. She requested council and staff evaluate walking routes, install or enhance school beacons and lighting, and increase enforcement of school zone speed limits. City staff and the police department said they are pursuing Safe Routes to School planning and enforcement; staff pointed to a community Safe Streets workshop led by the city’s consultant at IHMC and encouraged participation.

Council members acknowledged the complexity of homelessness and street-safety issues and said the city and partner agencies are pursuing solutions, including discussions about shelter resources, Safe Routes grants and targeted enforcement. Staff noted funding constraints and the need for interagency coordination with the school district and county.