Residents press council over suspended Grand Avenue pedestrian bridge and public access to proposed legislation

Two members of the public used the March 23 public-expression period to press the council on transparency and pedestrian-bridge planning.

An online commenter identified as George urged the council to post proposed legislation online in advance of meetings so the public can prepare informed comments. He argued withholding proposed legislation could raise First Amendment concerns and said he intends to pursue legal remedies if the practice continues. He asked the council to provide proposed legislation alongside agendas rather than force residents to request printed copies.

In chambers, resident Mary Shones asked why the Grand Avenue pedestrian bridge project had been suspended after Norfolk Southern declined a requested $3 million local match; she said the city memo noted the suspension and that funds were available for a Governor's Parkway bridge project that would require clearing Briar East Woods. Shones said Briar East Woods provides neighborhood flood retention and asked why the city would prioritize a different bridge that could remove the woods. She asked council members to explain the discrepancy after the meeting.

No formal council action was taken at the March 23 meeting in response to these public comments; council members invited the residents to remain after the meeting for further discussion.