During a recent government meeting, community concerns regarding the Puyallup High School street closure and related issues were prominently discussed. Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the public involvement process surrounding the conditional use permit (CUP) for the school, citing inadequate notification and technical difficulties that hindered participation, particularly among elderly community members. One resident emphasized the need for reconsideration of the CUP, noting that the installation of portable classrooms has been delayed until January, presenting an opportunity to address these concerns.

The resident also raised issues regarding the school district's responsiveness to community feedback, particularly about traffic management during student drop-off and pick-up times. Suggestions were made for potential changes to parking regulations in the vicinity of the school to alleviate traffic congestion, with a request for the city to engage with local residents before implementing any new ordinances.

In a separate discussion, Paul Romich, a council member, highlighted safety concerns at the intersection of 7th and River Road, referencing data that shows an average of four crashes per year. He urged the council to consider more productive land use strategies to stimulate economic growth and address housing availability in the city. Romich advocated for the development of commercial nodes to support small businesses and suggested that increasing housing options could help lower costs and enhance the city’s financial stability.

The meeting underscored the importance of community engagement in local governance and the need for proactive measures to address both safety and economic development in Puyallup.