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Laurel residents press city leaders over proposed state forensic mental health facility; mayor says letters will be part of the public record
Summary
At a Feb. 24 Laurel City Council meeting, more than a dozen residents urged the council to oppose or slow a proposed state forensic mental health facility, citing proximity to an elementary school, public-safety concerns and procedural gaps. The mayor said letters submitted will be entered into the public record and available with the minutes.
Mayor Dave Waggoner opened the Feb. 24 meeting by announcing that letters concerning the proposed forensic mental health facility will be "entered into the public record under correspondence," and that anyone wishing to have a letter read verbatim may appear during public comment.
Dozens of residents and community representatives used the three-minute public-comment period to raise safety and process concerns about the state's proposed facility site near Laurel. Speakers emphasized the site's proximity to an elementary school and youth sports fields, asked for details about security and staffing, and urged greater transparency from state and local officials.
Harper Anderson, speaking for the Laurel High School…
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