Residents tell council outreach fell short and renew complaints about I‑71 noise

At the Jan. 20 meeting, residents used the public‑comment period to press the council on community outreach and long‑standing noise issues related to I‑71.

Ray Peterlin (5811 Wangler Drive) complained that residents attended earlier meetings about the recreation center and a highways project but left without answers. He said organizers limited who could speak and that handouts given at an earlier session failed to resolve questions. Peterlin told the council, “Residents came out in a blizzard, freezing temperatures to have their questions answered,” and said he has fielded calls from constituents who remain unsatisfied.

Peterlin also raised persistent concerns about highway noise in the Wangler Drive area and questioned whether planned sound walls would be included in reconstruction drawings; he described an ODOT noise study he observed where he felt data collection was insufficient.

Louie Modick said he supports reducing public comments to three minutes for efficiency but urged the council to create avenues for targeted audience participation during caucus meetings where an item is being discussed. Albert Wolf, another resident, said the highways presentation was well presented and that pamphlets and comment forms should be reviewed by staff.

Council members acknowledged the concerns and said staff would follow up where appropriate; the mayor earlier announced a county fiscal presentation on property-value appeals on Jan. 28 and reiterated that the rec center is available as a warming station during emergencies.