Residents press council on benches, carousel preservation and local amenities

Multiple residents used the public comment period to press the council on small but tangible quality-of-life issues: placement of benches at beach access paths, repair and preservation of a 1926 carousel, and options for historic-rehab designation that could unlock grant funding.

Donna DeRocher (14 Wesley Ave.) said she collected 55 signatures in support of benches at beach access points from Saint James northward, arguing that benches would help parents and older or disabled visitors. Donna Sabre (1324 Asbury) described the carousel's 100th anniversary, said repairs could cost up to $1,000,000 per the owner's estimate, and asked council to help form a 501(c)(3) to pursue grants and potential historic designation. Both speakers asked the council to help coordinate with owners and city staff to explore funding and placement options.