Former Northview Heights Citizens Council president urges city action to replace hazardous playgrounds

Valerie Law, identifying herself as a former president of the Northview Heights Citizens Council, told City Council that HUD funds intended for playground replacement have not reached Northview Heights and described unsafe conditions affecting more than 500 children.

"Funds have never been distributed to Northview Heights," Law said, adding she has photographs documenting the playgrounds’ hazardous conditions and citing "HUD section 310" as a reference for violations she believes are relevant to the situation. She pressed the council and the mayor to take action and urged accountability from the housing agency leadership she named during her remarks.

Law said she has repeatedly contacted the housing authority and other officials and that the community will continue to press for a new playground. "It's enough already. Our children deserve better," she said.

Council did not take a formal vote or adopt a specific remedy while the speaker was at the lectern. The speaker asked that the mayor and other officials visit Northview Heights and pledged to continue advocacy until construction begins.

Valerie Law left photographs and contact information with the clerk so council staff can follow up.