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Residents raise lawsuit allegations and neighborhood safety concerns during public comment
Summary
Two residents used public comment to raise different issues: Rob Cody previewed depositions and alleged council misconduct in a First Amendment lawsuit; David D. Roa asked the council to address disruptive behavior by students from the Rhode Island Alternative Academy at a neighborhood site.
During the council's public‑comment period, two speakers raised separate concerns.
Rob Cody (Ward 7) told the council he has filed a First Amendment lawsuit and said discovery included documents he says show attempts by current and former council members to discredit him for public records‑related advocacy. Cody criticized named individuals he described in his remarks and said depositions will expose patterns of conduct he believes have chilled critics. His comments were sharply critical and framed as notice of ongoing litigation and forthcoming depositions.
Resident David D. Roa described recurring disruptive conduct near his home at 48 Draper Avenue, across from the former Green Elementary where the Rhode Island Alternative Academy currently operates. Roa said students — he estimated middle‑ to high‑school age — have been observed yelling, swearing at residents and delivery drivers, breaking or banging on doors, throwing rocks and otherwise intimidating neighbors. He said he had raised the matter with the superintendent and sought follow‑up before the next school year, and asked the city for a plan to reduce neighborhood impacts while preserving educational access for students who need more support.
Both speakers asked the council to follow up; Cody signaled ongoing litigation and Roa sought administrative remedies from the school system and city staff.
