Residents press council on public safety and preservation of Stockyards building during public comment

Two public commentators used the meeting’s public-comment period to press the council on distinct issues.

Guillermo Pena (1823 Clay Street) spoke during the CIP public hearing to raise several public-safety complaints. He said he had ‘‘a gun to [his] face’’ during a recent incident and questioned how public-safety tax dollars are spent, criticized wage levels and vehicle purchases, urged the council to use funding (including ARPA) to address street-level safety and sewer issues, and said ongoing fires, shootings and overdoses on his street threaten residents and local businesses. A council member invited Pena to remain after the meeting so staff or Chief Hart could follow up with him.

Later in the meeting Diane Waddell (514 N. Noyce Boulevard) offered a reflection on civic identity and historic preservation, noting the demolition of the old St. Joseph Stockyards Livestock Exchange building and urging the council and community to preserve and celebrate the city’s arts, history and historic structures.

Both comments were taken as part of the public record; no formal council action was taken directly in response during the meeting aside from an offer to connect the first speaker with staff for follow-up.