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Residents urge action on traffic, homeless services and animal welfare during public comment
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Summary
During public comment the commission heard neighborhood concerns about traffic tied to San Sebastian Harbor and a closed bridge, requests to accelerate completion of showers and laundry at the city's drop‑in day center, and a call to end horse‑drawn carriages in favor of electric alternatives.
Multiple residents used the public‑comment period to press the commission on neighborhood and social issues.
Traffic and harbor access: Carolyn Wright told the commission that San Sebastian Harbor Drive has been closed for “two and a half months,” causing significant congestion in Lincolnville and blocking trolley circulation. She asked staff and the appropriate departments to provide an update on reopening plans; the city indicated a public works supervisor (Steven Slaughter) would follow up.
Homeless services and drop‑in center: Vicky Pepper, representing Care (Community Advocates for Racial Equity), urged the commission to finish phase 1 operations of the city’s new drop‑in day center (Dining with Dignity opened in November but showers and laundry were delayed), noting access to showers and washers can be critical for people seeking or keeping employment. Pepper asked for an update and additional budget consideration to fund completion of phases 2 and 3.
Horse carriages: Tom Reynolds urged the commission to ban horse‑drawn carriages, calling the practice “animal abuse” and recommending electric carriage alternatives; he presented a sample ordinance and cost figures for electric replacements.
Other comments raised property tax and expenditure concerns, including suggestions that certain services or sidewalk projects be funded differently. BJ Colady asked whether recent statements that 73 positions might be cut would include assistant and deputy directors and expressed skepticism about some proposed expenditures.
City staff and commissioners acknowledged the concerns and directed appropriate staff (public works, mobility, continuum of care contacts) to follow up; in several cases commission members asked for written updates to the public record.
