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Residents press Saginaw council on grant denials, parking, abandoned homes and transit safety
Summary
Public commenters urged the council to clarify ARPA grant transparency, address a denied roofing grant, step up code enforcement on abandoned houses and improve lighting and bus stops after an alleged assault.
Several residents used the public‑comment period to press the council on a range of neighborhood issues: ARPA/grant transparency, a denied roofing application, dangerous abandoned houses and transit safety.
Sandra Ramon said she applied in April for roofing assistance and was later denied because staff reported "no water consumption," despite her saying she has lived at the address for 22 years and pays monthly water bills. She asked the council to review the denial and provide follow‑up.
Trevor Majadeo spoke about on‑street parking on narrow residential streets and suggested allowing one‑side daytime parking while removing the nighttime ban where applicable; he also said he has received an ARPA grant but asked for more transparent application tracking, noting he must visit the office in person to get updates.
David Connor urged more aggressive code enforcement after finding a 16‑year‑old inside an abandoned house at 513 Carroll Street and said the property should be torn down. He said abandoned properties pose immediate safety risks and recommended the city prioritize inspections and demolitions where structures are dangerous.
Melanie Velasco described an alleged assault at a McDonald’s on Sept. 30 and said a police officer told her "my life don't really mean much of anything." She asked for better‑lit bus stops and praised Saginaw Transit Station staff, and said she plans to pursue legal counsel and may bring charges.
Donovan Gomez used public comment to argue that recent state proposals (described as "red flag" mental‑health laws) erode constitutional rights and stated he is pursuing county‑level activism across Michigan; that claim went unchallenged during the meeting.
Council members acknowledged the comments, with Councilmember Sylvia saying staff will follow up on Sandra Ramon and Trevor Majadeo’s grant questions and other members promising to refer safety and code complaints to the appropriate departments.
