Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Residents urge council to protect youth programs, repair Franklin Boulevard and preserve Max Manning Field
Loading...
Summary
Public commenters asked the council to protect and restore youth programming, improve road safety on Franklin Boulevard and clarify ownership and future use of Max Manning Field; staff clarified the field is city‑owned and restricted to recreation and that funding and repairs are planned.
Several residents used the public-comment portion of Pleasantville’s April 20 meeting to press the council on youth services, road conditions and park ownership.
Ed Dixon (public commenter, Speaker 8) asked the council "to consider dedicating the month of August to our military men and women" and raised concerns that the city has "taken away" programs for children and removed a path. "They said they had facts. And then when it came up... it's not true," Dixon said, asking the council to "please get the police department involved" to address traffic and enforcement concerns near play areas.
Another resident, Mark Smith (Speaker 9), said Franklin Boulevard between Vernon Avenue and Delisle Road has persistent potholes and cited repeated short-term repairs that reopen. "A lot of potholes...do y'all have a plan repaving that for Franklin Boulevard?" he asked. Staff (Speaker 6) responded that the city recently approved a grant allocation—cited in the meeting as nearly $26,000,000—and that the money will be applied to road work: "That's all road...that portion from the expressway to Delilah." Staff said funds have been identified and that project work and cleanup are expected to begin in May/June under a procurement timeline.
Following executive session the council returned to clarify ownership and program responsibilities for Max Manning Field (also called "Joker's Field"). A staff speaker (Speaker 11) said youth sports groups are often organized as independent 501(c)(3) nonprofits that receive community grants but are not city property. He stated: "Max Manning Field...is wholly owned by the city of Pleasantville. Part of it is also under open space conservation and or recreation. So they're not gonna build...condominiums on it." Staff also noted ongoing repairs and beautification efforts funded by the city and insurance.
Why it matters: Residents framed these issues as quality-of-life and safety concerns for children and veterans; council and staff characterized the city's role as funder and facilitator for recreation while noting limits on available funds and land. Council directed staff to proceed with procurement steps for repairs and to continue coordination with community organizations.
Ending: Council accepted the public comments, staff provided clarifications about funding and ownership, and the meeting proceeded to votes and then adjournment.
