Residents raised concerns about local infrastructure at the Oct. 21 city council meeting, including about road maintenance and public safety. Randy Rice said she worried about “drivers speeding along back streets, like Goepp and Maple Avenue, speeding and not slowing down, looking for ways to access Rt. 22 or 78.” Residents along these back roads are leaving the city, she said, looking for quiet, safer neighborhoods.

Mayor William Reynolds referred to the Complete Streets Plan that reviews streets and how they are used and built, saying, “All measures that can be used to be able to cut down on the speed are utilized.”

The Rev. Bruce Stephenson and Martha Figaroa thanked council for adding a white line on Easton Avenue, which they said has increased safety and visibility.

Council later reviewed several ongoing projects, such as affordable housing and the status of the Martin Tower site, which has seen no recent progress. Concerns were also raised about the homeless population affected by Norfolk Southern railway. Reynolds said the number of homeless has been reduced from 75 to 53 and the city has connected the Health Bureau, the Council of Churches and other nonprofit organizations with many homeless citizens. One-third of the homeless have chosen not to connect with these resources.

New ordinances addressing traffic management and environmental sustainability were introduced and set for further review, and several ordinances were amended, including updates to zoning regulations and public health policies. Council voted unanimously in favor of the proposed changes.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 5 at city hall.