Residents press council on Peabody site, Roper property transparency and neighborhood services

Several residents used the public information period at the April 28 meeting to press the council on preservation and neighborhood services.

Patricia S. Miller, identifying herself as a Peabody High School graduate and member of the Peabody National Alumni Association, urged the city to turn the historic Peabody Complex over to alumni organizers who say they have a plan and prior financial backing to repurpose the site for community use. Miller said, "We are asking that you turn the property over to us and watch the vision come to life." She warned the council not to “drop the ball again” on the site.

Bridal Ganaway and Marlow Green raised separate transparency questions about city‑owned properties, including the Roper site and submissions for purchase or lease. Marlow Green said proposals he submitted in December had not been advanced and asked for a clear methodology for how city property proposals are processed. Ganaway and Green also raised quality‑of‑life concerns including heavy truck traffic and the need for road repairs on Pocahontas Island.

Kiara Stevens said trash pickup on her street had been missed three consecutive weeks and asked for more trash receptacles on walking trails. Latasha Jackson described ongoing maintenance problems in her apartment complex and said gun violence has made some neighbors fear for children's safety; she asked for more police engagement and use of community centers to provide safe spaces.

Barb Rudolph urged council consideration of tax policy to help long‑term residents who face rising property values and tax bills. Council members acknowledged the concerns, and staff and individual council members committed follow‑up outside the meeting.