Candidates stress communication, parks and careful ordinance changes in Garrett Park forum

Candidates at the Garrett Park Citizens Association forum outlined local priorities beyond the town hall project, spotlighting parks and committee-driven decision-making while responding to resident concerns about ordinances, procurement and development.

John Stroud, a council member running for mayor, and council incumbents Lisa Max and Gerry Lee Bennett emphasized the role of committees in refining project details and the council’s role in major budget decisions. “The more we can get participation and communication from the ground up to us, the better the decisions will be made on behalf of all of our residents,” Stroud said.

Parks and near-term capital spending featured prominently. Candidates identified regrading the ball field next to the pool and redesigning the dog-park area as top priorities, and said funds have been set aside for road, curb and gutter repairs in 2027. “Our planning for the park improvements is really a top priority right now,” Max said.

On council continuity, Randy Auerbach asked how the town will fill a council vacancy if a member becomes mayor. Candidates cited the town code that the council would appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the term—typically the vacated member’s remaining year—rather than an automatic special election. “When an existing council member vacates that role to go to mayor, the current code states that the council will vote on an appropriate person,” Stroud said.

Residents raised development and zoning worries. Courtney Calp asked about recent townhouse development and the status of the Lerner property and nearby data centers; candidates suggested Citizens Association–led meetings with council participation to address discrete boundary and development questions. “Those all sound like good discrete topics for a citizens association led meeting with members of council to attend to specifically address that topic,” Welker said.

On ordinance revisions, several residents questioned proposals to require concrete aprons on driveways and prohibit circular driveways. Candidates said the discussion is driven by concern for public right-of-way durability and snow-removal damage and that they want to allow variants such as permeable materials. “It’s not really a point of control as much as we are trying to minimize expense,” one candidate said, adding that the council has not rushed an ordinance and wants public input.

The forum concluded with closing remarks encouraging civic participation and a reminder to vote on Monday, May 4th. No formal votes or changes to policy were taken at the forum; candidates said they welcome ongoing resident input as projects move forward.