I attended the City Council meeting on July 1 at 9 a.m. Councilman Brzezinski was absent. The meeting began with a presentation led by Executive Director of Bayfront East Side Taskforce (BEST) Marcia Farrell. Farrell proposed projects with Infinite Erie to both develop green space and the area along the lower blocks of Parade St., building affordable housing and single family homes for ownership. Councilwoman Flores, who grew up in the area, spoke positively about homes being rebuilt there: “That neighborhood needs to have neighbors, we need to have community members. So, I’m happy to see that something’s going to be built.” Councilman Horton added that making changes to zoning could help create more homes in Erie.
Following the presentation and a private executive session, public comments addressed a variety of recent issues. Corporate News Director for Lilly Broadcasting and Erie News Now Scott MacDowell spoke about an inappropriate comment Brzezinski made towards one of the station’s female reporters after the last City Council meeting. “These aren’t little girls. They’re polished professionals that come here to do their job,” he said. Other constituents discussed a video of the recent arrest of Keven Sparks, who was hit by a police car while riding an E-Bike and was arrested on the ground after being punched by the officer repeatedly. “We have to find a better way to police the inner city. We would not see that happen anywhere above 38th St.” said Constituent Malcolm Pullium. “I’m willing to work with any police officer to help bridge this gap because a regular diversity program is not gonna help.”…