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Community members ask council to back youth wellness campus and address neighborhood cleanup
Summary
During public comment, a returning resident proposed using CDBG funds for a youth wellness and job‑training campus; another resident pressed the council for action on a persistent neighborhood cleanup problem.
Three members of the public addressed the council during the public‑with‑business segment March 18, 2026.
Terry Rocket introduced himself as a “Devonport native” and described his organization, “the youth vineyard,” saying it has operated since 2006 and that he is seeking support and CDBG funding to convert a seven‑acre site at 1020 South Vermark into a wellness and trade campus offering mental‑health supports and job training in trades such as carpentry and textiles. Rocket described the program as focused on legal literacy, diversion from the justice system and workforce supports: “We want to turn this into a future for W seven...to fill the gap in mental health support and job training for our children.”
Later, Carlton Wills (identified as third ward) asked for help with an ongoing property cleanup he has been pressing for more than a month. Wills said he has been picking up garbage and that the problem is persisting; council members said staff are working with him and would follow up.
An unnamed new resident introduced themself and said they had just moved to the city and would follow up with the city clerk for additional information.
No formal action or commitment of CDBG funds was recorded during the meeting; Rocket’s remarks were an introduction of his organization and proposal. Council members acknowledged the comments and indicated staff follow‑up on the cleanup complaint.
