Residents urge stronger code enforcement and patrols; one man reports assault near Florence Place

Summary

During public comment residents asked the commission to address long‑running trash, donation‑box dumping and code violations near Spring Lake Mall Plaza and nearby properties; Daniel Serpa reported an assault he attributes to people sleeping in apartment breezeways and requested greater property management and police action.

Two residents used the public comment period to press the city for stronger enforcement and public‑safety attention.

Betty Hoffman, who lives near Havendale and Spring Lake Mall Plaza, described longstanding trash and code violations on properties near the mall, including abandoned donation boxes that have attracted couches and mattresses. Hoffman said earlier counts found 41 tires at a site and that roughly 22 remained; she urged the city to "put some teeth into" code enforcement and follow through on violations.

Daniel Serpa said he recently returned from the hospital after an attack on or about Jan. 3 in front of Florence Place Apartments that nearly cost him a finger. Serpa said people were sleeping in breezeways, using drugs and that he has taken photographs; he asked for increased patrols and for property managers to take responsibility for securing their properties.

City staff acknowledged the concerns during liaison reports and said various county and city offices have been contacted on related matters. No formal action was taken at the meeting; the commission did not vote to direct specific follow‑up during the recorded minutes.