Residents of Deerfield Beach voiced significant concerns during a recent city commission meeting, primarily focusing on safety issues related to ongoing construction projects and the removal of trees in the area.

One resident, Mr. Cuomo, highlighted alarming safety hazards posed by open trenches and inadequate signage around construction sites. He described a specific incident where a four-foot-deep hole was left unmarked over the weekend, posing a serious risk of injury to pedestrians and drivers alike. Cuomo urged city staff to closely monitor the contractor's safety practices to prevent potential lawsuits stemming from accidents.

Another resident, Alan Shapiro, raised questions about the selective removal of trees, specifically the foxtail palms, while other trees, including coconut palms, were left untouched. He expressed concerns about the transparency of the process, questioning whether the trees were being sold and how much revenue the city might be generating from their removal.

The meeting also saw residents expressing frustration over the ongoing drainage project, which has caused significant disruption in their neighborhoods. Dave Goldman and Stella Mollner described the chaos and mess created by the construction, with Mollner stating she felt like a prisoner in her own home due to blocked driveways and constant dust. Goldman emphasized that the project was unnecessary for their area, as they had never experienced drainage issues before.

Concerns about public safety extended to the need for better traffic signage and management around school zones, as noted by Lucia DeAlgenio, who pointed out that current detour signs were misleading and confusing for drivers.

The city commission acknowledged the residents' grievances, with Mayor Gans and other commissioners expressing their commitment to addressing the issues raised. They emphasized the need for improved communication and organization regarding construction projects and promised to hold contractors accountable for safety and cleanliness.

As the meeting concluded, the commission discussed the formation of a charter review committee, with some members questioning the motivations behind the review and its potential implications for height restrictions in the city. The mayor assured residents that the committee's formation would be transparent and focused on community input.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's urgent need for better safety measures, clearer communication from city officials, and a more transparent approach to urban development and environmental management.