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Residents press City Council on Jefferson Avenue vehicle damage, dangerous intersections and delivery parking
Summary
At the Nov. 12 meeting residents told the council about a vehicle damaged during Jefferson Avenue construction, asked for tree trimming and improved lighting at hazardous intersections, and sought clearer rules for where licensed food‑truck vendors may park to make deliveries.
Several residents used the citizen‑comment period at the Newport News City Council meeting on Nov. 12 to raise public‑safety and enforcement concerns.
Mary Hill said her car was damaged by "heavy construction" on Jefferson Avenue and that she has “not received or found any redress” after filing a claim. City Manager Alan said the matter is with the city’s risk‑management office, that staff have been in communication with Hill, and that he would follow up to close out the case.
Jevon Bennett asked the council to address traffic‑safety issues at multiple locations, including an obstructing tree at the Saunders Road intersection and very poor lighting near elderly residents; he requested that the city consider tree trimming, improved lighting and installing a four‑way stop near a Hibachi restaurant to reduce collisions.
Michelle Bernard, CEO of Shell's Kitchen LLC d/b/a Shell's Kitchen on Wheels, asked the council for clarity and fairness about where a licensed delivery vehicle may legally park while operating her business, saying she wants to avoid harassment or citations while serving customers.
Council and staff responded by directing residents to provide details to the city clerk and by noting that engineering and risk management would follow up. No formal council action on the safety or parking requests was taken during the meeting.
