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Fox Chase neighbors urge city to quitclaim parkland, oppose fencing
Summary
Multiple Fox Chase residents told the council they have maintained the park area for years and asked the city to quitclaim the parkland to the HOA; the mayor said the fence is a temporary pause while legal and risk reviews proceed.
Several Fox Chase residents addressed the council during public comment asking that the city return the park parcel to homeowners and questioning the city’s decision to place a temporary fence.
"The city should do the right thing and quitclaim it back to homeowners now," said Brian Benner, who cited past minutes referring to a proposed quitclaim and said neighborhood volunteers have maintained the area for years. Monique Bernard, identifying herself as HOA president, told the council that neighbors enjoy the amenities (including an informal pickleball court) and oppose fencing or trespassing enforcement.
Other residents described varying experiences with wetlands and past city excavation. Kristen Hall said city actions had at times damaged trail access and that removing neighborhood improvements could increase mosquito problems; Tim Drake said he saw no flooding and was not aware of a safety reason for the fence.
Mayor Russell L. Porter told commenters the fence is intended as a temporary work stoppage—"a moratorium"—while the city gathers information from legal and risk management and that staff will report back. No change in property ownership was adopted at the meeting.
Next steps: city manager and staff to follow up, review legal and risk impacts and report findings to the council.
