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Public forum: residents urge traffic fixes, saving a home, transit improvements and continued community grants
Summary
During public forum residents thanked the city for a community safety grant, raised traffic-safety concerns at Sycamore Square, appealed to save a property slated for demolition, and urged pedestrian and transit improvements near major bus hubs.
Ten speakers addressed the council during the public forum portion of the Nov. 10 meeting. Highlights included gratitude for a community safety grant, a traffic-safety complaint tied to a private closure in Sycamore Square, a demolition appeal from a homeowner, and recommendations to improve walkability near bus hubs.
Lauren Anderson (speaking for Tasha Lindsey and the Outlaw Horse Club) thanked the council for awarding a community-safety grant that helped power an Oct. 4 outreach event at VFW Post 6018 which served more than 400 people and partnered with local nonprofits and churches.
Chad McGowan described repeated accidents and unsafe turning conditions after a private owner closed Shannon Drive adjacent to his business (Kraken Skulls). He said the closure has disrupted vehicle movement and harmed nearby businesses. Councilmembers and staff told him traffic services will review the situation and invited him to a Nov. 18 Scotty Hills community meeting at Kiwanis Recreation Center to discuss local traffic plans.
Conchon Kimone appealed for more time to repair and keep his house at 206 Campbell Ave from demolition, saying he planned to reopen a certified family group home located at the property and that demolition would cause severe financial hardship. City staff offered to have relevant staff follow up outside the public forum to discuss options.
Ben Holtquist (Fayetteville Freedom for All) urged the council to prioritize crosswalks and shorter walking distances to bus hubs, to add benches and shelters at stops and to consider eliminating parking minimums within walking distance of major stops to improve transit access and ridership.
Council acknowledged these speakers and directed relevant staff to follow up through community engagement channels and appropriate departments (traffic services, development and community services).
