During the public comment segment, Caroline V. Di voiced concerns regarding a speed enforcement program initiated by the Leesburg Police Department. She described receiving a mailer that she initially dismissed as junk mail due to its origin from a processing center in Maryland. The mailer instructed recipients to send potential ticket responses to a P.O. Box in Atlanta, Georgia, leading her to question the legitimacy of the program. Di referenced a similar initiative in Winchester, Virginia, where the law firm involved criticized the company, Altima, for its handling of speeding tickets. She revealed that Winchester received $155,000 from tickets while Altima retained $69,000.

Di’s concerns extended to the operational details of the speed enforcement, including radar usage and zone definitions. She noted that the cameras were active throughout the school day rather than just during designated hours, raising the issue of potentially unfair ticketing. Di concluded by criticizing the invasive nature of the monitoring, stating, “I’m tired of this monitoring.”

The Commission then addressed the sale of city-owned property on South 6th Street, discussing its implications for downtown development. The city manager explained that the sale was part of a broader strategy to enhance mixed-use development and increase population density in the downtown area. The property, currently used by the gas department, is planned for relocation, making the site available for other uses. The city manager referenced the 2018 Downtown Town Master Plan, emphasizing the need to bring more residential units and businesses downtown to foster a vibrant community. A representative from Frostburg proposed a trail-oriented development that would utilize existing trails to promote walkability.

Public comments also addressed the issue of downtown parking, a long-standing concern for the city commission. One commissioner suggested that the proposed development site, located approximately 700 feet from Main Street, could potentially accommodate 35 to 50 parking spaces. This was contrasted with the upcoming expenditure of $1.6 million on a parking study, which was perceived as an inefficient use of funds. The suggestion was made that investing in this development could alleviate some of the downtown parking issues without incurring further costs.

The commission moved on to discuss the proposed closure of a portion of 13th Street, specifically between Center Street and Main Street, to enhance the campus environment of the First Baptist Church (FBC) and address safety concerns for students and churchgoers. Some commissioners expressed uncertainty about supporting the closure, citing that FBC did not yet own both sides of the street. Public feedback included concerns from residents about the impact of street closures on their daily routines and access to local businesses. A compromise was reached to limit the closure to the south side of Line and 13th, allowing public access to remain intact. The commission did not plan to vote on the original proposal that evening.

Public comments continued with concerns regarding a proposed residential development near County Road 33. A resident, William B. Robertson, opposed the project’s density, which he argued could lead to fire hazards and drastically change the neighborhood’s character. Robertson and his son Tyler emphasized the need for responsible development that considers the existing community. Another resident, Gerald Robinson, shared concerns about the environmental impact of the development and its potential to increase crime and noise levels.

The meeting also addressed homelessness and its impact on local businesses. Dena Simpson from Renew Day Spa shared her experiences with homeless individuals congregating on her business’s front porch, leading to frequent vandalism and financial strain. Tim Simpson echoed these sentiments, calling for increased police presence in the downtown area to maintain a welcoming atmosphere for businesses and customers. Public comments included advocacy for the development of transitional housing and better management of homeless individuals to support both the community and those in need.

The commission discussed the implications of a new Florida law prohibiting public camping or sleeping, set to take effect on October 1st. The law effectively transfers responsibility for homelessness issues to local governments. An ordinance was introduced to amend local law to prohibit unauthorized camping within city limits, aligning with the new state statute. The city attorney emphasized the statute’s vagueness, particularly regarding definitions of “regular” public camping or sleeping.