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Residents press Harper Woods council on noise, wildlife, traffic and community center funding
Summary
Public commenters raised neighborhood noise and vehicle loudness, hawks and rodent problems tied to bird feeders, unsafe school crossing behavior, and questions about community-center funding and planning review; council and staff offered follow-up steps and referrals.
Harper Woods — During the public-comment period, residents urged the City Council to act on several neighborhood issues, including traffic and safety near schools, loud vehicle noise, wildlife and rodent problems linked to bird feeders, and greater transparency about community-center funding and planning.
Teresa Foster asked whether the public can obtain the council’s budget packet so attendees can follow along at upcoming budget meetings, saying, "I just would like to know if the public can get a copy of the packet that the council gets for the budget schedule so that we can follow along when we attend that meeting." Council staff responded that meeting materials are posted and can be made available.
A longtime resident, Michael (surname redacted in the transcript), pressed the council on loud vehicles and suggested equipping squad cars with decibel meters; he said he would contribute $1,000 toward a meter and described the noise as harming neighborhood tranquility. Staff said they would look into enforcement options and suggested discussions with the police department.
Multiple speakers asked for updates and participation opportunities related to the planned community center and expressed concern about potential funding mechanisms. John Shendburn asked whether the city would seek a bond to finish construction and said he would oppose one; Greg Bargo, a planning commission member, cited the Michigan Planning Enabling Act and emphasized the need for planning-commission review when a municipality has a master plan.
Other callers reported local problems tied to wildlife and property maintenance. One resident said hawks have been swooping low in neighborhoods and that heavy bird-feeder use is attracting rodents; staff noted recent demolition activity nearby and offered to inspect the property and educate the resident. Another speaker raised safety concerns about motorists not yielding at a school crossing and was directed to speak with the police chief after the meeting.
Several commenters also praised recent city events (movie night, jazz and blues festivals) and encouraged continuation of community programming. The council acknowledged comments, directed staff to follow up on specific enforcement and outreach tasks, and then returned to council business.
