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Residents tell Bridgeport council: fix parking, secure school lots and improve notice for charter materials
Summary
During public comment, residents urged the council to reopen parking access at the former Basset High School site, requested local school-safety signs, and criticized the timing and filing of the charter commission's final report; speakers included community garden managers and parents citing safety and access concerns.
Several residents used the Sept. 2 public comment period to press the Bridgeport City Council on neighborhood parking and school safety and to raise procedural concerns about the charter revision process.
Bob Olson, who said he manages a community garden near the former Basset High School site, described problems created when the school closed and gates were locked, including lost parking and increased crime. Olson urged the council to consider options such as subdividing city-owned parcels to create parking and mixed-use development; he cited a prior project at 588 East Main Street where municipal action helped enable affordable housing and commercial use.
A speaker identifying himself as Nico asked the council to restore access to the former school lot so his family could park safely; he said break-ins had occurred and that restoring access would provide security for children and families.
Clyde Nicholson said he bought safety signs at his own expense (about $450 for a package) and asked the council's permission to place them around local school intersections to enhance visibility and safety near schools.
Other speakers raised procedural concerns about the charter commission's handling of its final report. Maria Pereira, who said she has 14 years of public service, told the council the final report was not filed with the city clerk by the required 4:30 p.m. deadline and said she arrived to find the report available on desks at 4:52 p.m.; she said the report had also been emailed to commissioners, which she said was not the proper filing procedure. Pereira said the scope of changes (she cited 21 chapters) and the late delivery of materials would make it difficult for residents and council members to review the changes before a vote.
The public-comment segment concluded and the council proceeded to its formal agenda, including an item that would place the charter revision question on the Nov. 4 ballot.
Quotes in this story are taken from the Sept. 2 public comments as recorded in the council meeting transcript.
