Bullhead City council leaves Yale Drive river access open after hourslong public debate

A divided but ultimately indecisive council left the storm-drain corridor at Yale Drive open after hearing hours of public comment on Aug. 18.

Assistant City Manager Travis Pruitt presented the item to the council, saying residents reported competing concerns: some described homeless encampments, drug use and vandalism at the corridor adjacent to 577 Riverfront Drive, while others said the easements have historically provided public river access and recreation. Pruitt said the council could keep the access open, close it and require fencing, or table the matter for further study.

Dozens of residents spoke during the public-comment period. Richard Gaunt, who said he was speaking for his family that owns 577 Riverfront Drive, described repeated vandalism and theft at his property and asked the council either to close the wash or provide a gated option for residents. He said: “We’ve had vandalism done, graffiti. We’ve had our doors broken in. We’ve had lights ripped off the walls.”

Homeowner Roger Keith, who urged closure, warned of liability and repeated trespassing: “The insurance and liability and potential lawsuits from these trespasses far exceed any expectation that this drainage corridor … should remain open to the public.”

By contrast, Rebecca Jones, who lives on Terrace Drive, said the easement was advertised as river access when the subdivisions were sold decades ago and told council: “You cannot close this river access for us.” Other speakers urged improvements instead of closure—lighting, ADA ramps, trash receptacles and targeted enforcement so families and people with disabilities can continue to use the river.

Council members reported visiting the site. Several said they found the drainage corridor narrower than other closed sites and believed the problems described were real but could be addressed through increased maintenance, signs and police patrols rather than a full closure. Council members noted that, under current practice, taking no action preserves the status quo and requires no formal motion.

After deliberation the council took no action on closing the Yale Drive access, effectively keeping it open while directing staff to continue working on maintenance and enforcement options. Mayor: “If you own property there, if something’s going on … call [police] now,” and several members reiterated that residents should continue reporting incidents to aid enforcement.

What happens next: the council did not direct an immediate change; staff and councilmembers said they will pursue maintenance, signage and enforcement steps and could revisit the item if conditions warrant further action.