Business owners and residents urge clearer communication on Murray Street Bridge closure and more general‑fund sidewalk repairs

During the oral‑communications portion of the May 26 meeting, multiple members of the public said the city’s outreach about the Murray Street Bridge closure has been insufficient and described economic harm to local businesses.

Michael Spanfor, who identified himself in the meeting, told council he has already “pulled $40,000 on my 401k to make it through this past winter” and asked when the bridge will close, saying businesses need time to plan staffing and operations. Seth Heitener, a general manager at La Posta restaurant, raised the same concern about not knowing the bridge‑closure date.

Public commenters later in the afternoon urged the council to use general‑fund dollars for local sidewalk repairs and quick‑build safety projects that are unlikely to qualify for state or federal grants. ‘‘There is $1.2 million in this budget that could be redirected to quick‑build safety projects and public‑works staffing today,’’ one speaker argued during public comment.

Council members noted legal limits on acting on oral communications but pointed to ongoing constituent outreach and said council members and city communications staff were already working on the issue. Public Works staff told the council the Murray Street Bridge project remains on schedule and that a second full closure is planned in the coming month to advance in‑water work and relocate utilities.

Council directed staff to return in August 2026 with options for safety treatments at specific locations (including crosswalk beacons and possible traffic‑calming), to explore prioritizing the reinstated $500,000 paving transfer for neighborhood safety projects, and to meet with neighborhood representatives about local traffic remedies.

The requests ask staff to evaluate legal, cost, and timing implications before council votes on any reprogramming of funds.