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Residents question $20M Grand Avenue pedestrian‑bridge plan and city decisions
Summary
Multiple public‑comment speakers criticized plans to spend $20 million on a pedestrian bridge near Grand Avenue, arguing it won't serve the students who need safe crossings and that earlier, smaller funding options were abandoned. Speakers urged officials to reconsider location and design.
During public expression several residents raised concerns about the proposed Grand Avenue pedestrian bridge and whether it will serve the children and neighborhoods most affected by unsafe railroad crossings. Mary Shones asked why a bridge that originally involved a smaller contribution from Norfolk Southern and the federal government became a $20 million state project and argued the bridge would be placed "a mile away from where it's needed."
Other commenters, including Ken Rosic and George Stoya, said safety objectives in the original design were not met and that the city and partners should reconsider the plan; Stoya also asked for disclosure of the offer the city made to property owners in connection with the condemnation resolution and warned of potential litigation. Councilmembers did not alter the bridge decision at the meeting; public comment closed with the council noting resident concerns.
