The Vancouver City Council meeting on January 6, 2025, featured significant public testimony regarding proposed changes to Southeast 34th Street and broader road modifications throughout the city. Residents expressed concerns about a lack of public engagement and options in the planning process.

Justin Wood, a lifelong Vancouver resident and one of the original organizers of the Save Vancouver Streets Group, shared his frustrations after receiving a notice about changes to Southeast 34th Street. He noted that the survey provided by the city only included options for a one-lane road, with no alternatives for retaining the existing two-lane configuration or adding bike lanes while keeping four lanes. Wood's attempts to communicate with city officials were met with challenges, as he found it difficult to contact the council directly.

In response to these frustrations, Wood and other residents formed a grassroots initiative aimed at ensuring community voices are heard in city planning. He emphasized that their initiative does not prevent road changes but requires the city to properly inform and engage residents before making decisions.

Laurie, another resident and member of the grassroots group, echoed Wood's sentiments, highlighting that many residents were unaware of the proposed road changes. She expressed concerns that reducing vehicle lanes could lead to increased dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding and running stop signs. Laurie reported that their group had gathered over 6,500 signatures to place their initiative on the ballot, aiming to give Vancouver residents a voice in the decision-making process.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a growing demand for improved public engagement in city planning, particularly regarding infrastructure changes that directly impact local communities. The council's response to these concerns and the potential ballot initiative will be closely watched by residents as they seek to influence future road planning in Vancouver.