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Residents urge action on e-bike safety, veterans memorial and homelessness during public comment
Summary
During public comment, residents asked the council to address e-bike safety on sidewalks after a near-miss, sought support and donations for a nearly completed Pinal County Veterans Memorial site in Casa Grande, and pressed the council to prioritize shelter and housing over recreational spending.
Several residents used the public-comment period on March 2 to press the council on safety, veterans memorial completion and homelessness resources.
Neil Jones, who gave his address in Casa Grande, said he was "almost run over by a class 1 or class 2 e-bike when I was on a sidewalk in Mission Royale" and urged the council to consider rules or enforcement for e-bikes on designated sidewalks because, he said, "you cannot enforce a law that doesn't exist." Council staff noted they have his contact information and agreed to follow up.
Donna Statham, representing the Pinal County Veterans Memorial Foundation, described the group's progress toward a permanent memorial at Rodeo Road and Pinal Avenue in Casa Grande. She said the memorial site is about "90% completed," that sidewalks and lighting are in place, and that the foundation has raised funds through donations and partnerships over the last 15 years; she asked for community support to finish the project.
Barbara Sundust spoke about the city's recent awards of public funds and said she was concerned that the city had granted approximately $1,400,000 for 12 pickleball courts while homelessness and elderly housing remain unmet needs. She urged the council to consider temporary shelter and low-income housing options for people living in vehicles or on fixed incomes.
The council closed public comments and directed staff to follow up on contact and service options where appropriate.
