Residents press for park improvements, goat‑head removal and pool shade

Several residents urged the town to prioritize immediate and low‑cost park improvements and longer‑term revitalization. Councilmember Geovona Thompson said, "I personally have been an advocate for trying to eliminate goat heads in our Town," and called for inviting public use by improving turf, picnic areas and maintenance. Steven Sherwood described a pre‑emergent treatment already ordered and suggested simple measures (cement picnic pads, low ramps, blacktop during road work) to improve safety and reduce fire risk.

Residents also asked for shade at the pool and artificial turf to keep goat‑heads from spreading into play areas. SEAGO’s presenter cautioned that routine maintenance typically falls outside CDBG’s scope, but that blight‑reduction or area‑wide rehabilitation projects can qualify when they meet national objectives and are well documented. The mayor directed staff to include park and goat‑head remediation ideas on the candidate project list so they can be evaluated against eligibility and cost.