Residents press council on police stops, pedestrian safety and a resolution to cut military aid to Israel

The Nov. 17 public‑comment period at the Ann Arbor City Council covered a range of community concerns, from pedestrian safety to policing practices and international policy.

Pedestrian and bikeway safety Kathy Griswold thanked staff for past pedestrian improvements but warned that a proposed two‑way cycle track on Miller Avenue would create dangerous sight‑line issues. Griswold said earlier engineering recommendations advised against the design and predicted a serious injury or death if implemented without adjustment.

Policing and fines Puan Bailey described repeated traffic stops since age 19 and said he has paid about $246,000 since 2002 in traffic tickets, fines and driver responsibility fees in Washtenaw County. Bailey said the cumulative fines are affecting his family’s livelihood and asked the council for information on policies and available supports.

Calls to cut military aid to Israel Multiple speakers urged the council to adopt a resolution to cut military aid to Israel. Blaine Coleman and Moskang Saba Biasafani recounted alleged civilian casualties in Gaza and said local officials, including some named in their remarks, have recognized the situation as a genocide and signed related letters. Both speakers asked why the Ann Arbor council has not approved a resolution opposing military aid and urged the public to pressure or replace elected officials who do not act.

Council did not take action on a foreign‑policy resolution during the meeting. Public comment is advisory; speakers made requests for council consideration and named officials and documents in support of their positions.

What’s next: Council did not schedule or vote on a resolution about military aid to Israel on Nov. 17. The matters raised about policing, sight lines and pedestrian safety were referred to staff discussions and ongoing planning work.