Residents of Bonita and surrounding neighborhoods voiced strong concerns during a recent city council meeting regarding a proposed homeless housing project at the Dale site. Multiple speakers expressed fears that such a development could compromise the safety and character of their community.

One resident highlighted issues related to increased traffic and speeding vehicles in the area, emphasizing the dangers posed to children playing nearby. He noted that the streets are not designed to handle the current volume of traffic, which has led to several near-miss incidents. Another speaker echoed these sentiments, describing the neighborhood as a safe environment that should remain so, and raised concerns about the lack of maintenance for street trees and sidewalks.

Long-time residents shared their experiences of escalating traffic dangers, particularly at intersections like Bonita and Arrow Highway, where collisions have become frequent. They urged the council to consider installing traffic lights to improve safety for those entering and exiting the neighborhood.

A deputy sheriff residing in the area also contributed to the discussion, warning that the introduction of a housing project could exacerbate existing issues with crime and safety. He referenced previous incidents involving encampments and illegal activities, arguing that the community is already struggling to maintain order and that a housing project could further strain local resources.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective apprehension among residents about the potential impact of the proposed project, with many calling for more thorough consideration of alternative solutions that would better serve the neighborhood's needs. The council is expected to continue discussions on this matter in future meetings.