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Residents urge protection for Briar East Woods, suggest fireworks ban amid safety concerns
Summary
Public commenters urged the council to preserve Briar East Woods—citing its role in flood retention and an extended FHWA environmental review—and suggested the city consider banning fireworks due to noise, litter and safety risks.
During public expression, Mary Schoen told the council that the Federal Highway Administration extended the environmental review for Governors Parkway, delaying a decision and keeping Briar East Woods under consideration. Schoen said the woods provide natural flood retention for Hessville and warned that removing the 32 acres could increase flood risk.
"If we wipe that out, we put the Hessville neighborhood in greater danger of flooding," Schoen said and urged the council to consider alternatives such as a $3 million pedestrian bridge where needed rather than removing the woodlands for a larger project she said might cost far more.
Schoen also urged the council to consider a fireworks ban, describing ongoing noise, litter and safety issues. The president earlier read the municipal fireworks ordinance with specific allowable dates and hours; several council members reminded residents to report violations with addresses so police can respond.
