Residents press Racine council to expand light-trespass rules and open renaming process for Douglas Park center

Several residents used the public comment period at the Racine Common Council's April 2026 meeting to raise neighborhood quality-of-life issues and the renaming process for a community center.

Trina Cotton, a District 11 resident, asked the council to amend Racine's light trespass ordinance so it applies to residential properties as well as businesses. "At present, this ordinance only applies to businesses... light trespass is an ongoing nuisance in our residential neighborhoods," Cotton said, describing bright exterior lights from a neighbor that shine into her bedroom, disrupt sleep, and have interfered with private attempts to resolve the problem. She said she had contacted code enforcement, the Racine Police Department and the City Attorney's Office, all of whom told her the matter is treated as a civil issue because the residential ordinance does not yet exist. "I ask that you please amend the current ordinance to include residential areas," Cotton told the council.

Michael Burmeister spoke about the process used for renaming the Cedar Chavez Community Center (historically the Douglas Park Center) after allegations about Cesar Chavez's conduct prompted name changes in other jurisdictions. Burmeister urged a more open comment period and public process, offered several alternative honorees with local ties, and asked the council to allow residents to submit suggestions and then vote by year'end. "I really think the rename process should have been handled with a more open comment period," he said.

Oscar Salinas, a local business owner, also offered public-comment remarks praising outgoing council members and urging the council to follow police recommendations for public safety decisions.

No formal ordinance change or process decision occurred during the meeting; these remarks were part of the public comment period and were referred to appropriate committees or staff follow-up as needed.