Seniors and neighbors press city council to pause 'Better Overland' redesign over parking and accessibility concerns

Dozens of residents addressed the City Council during joint public comment on April 13 urging it to rescind or pause the Better Overland street redesign. Speakers representing Rotary Plaza senior housing and adjacent neighborhoods said the plan’s removal of diagonal or curb parking and conversion of lanes to protected bike facilities would aggravate already-limited parking, reduce access for caregivers and medical transportation, and create mobility and safety problems for older residents.

"I'm asking you to please rescind your vote or at the very least put aside the money allotted for the Better Overland Project until further community input and studies can be done on impacts to traffic, parking, and curb and sidewalk access for the disabled," resident Stephanie Pryor said, recounting her 29-year residency and concerns about parking loss around a 100-unit senior complex.

Speakers cited earlier traffic studies and staff reports, questioned projected travel-time improvements, and urged the city to complete additional ADA and traffic-impact analyses before proceeding. Senior resident Sheila Corsi described repeated falls on damaged sidewalks and warned that more street modifications could make walking and shopping unsafe for her neighbors.

Several speakers requested improved outreach; Angelina Seager said many residents, including seniors, had not received direct notice of the plan. "We oppose this bike lane... We've never received any notification," she said.

Council members acknowledged the depth of concern and asked staff to continue public outreach. No formal council action on the Better Overland project was taken at the April 13 meeting; staff indicated the item remains part of the city's agenda process and that related consent or action items will be scheduled for further discussion.

The council also heard multiple comments on related downtown parking and street projects, with business owners and event producers urging careful balancing of street changes, tree protection and economic activity.