The Reader Beat: City Council Notes from April 15, 2026

<

span style="font-weight: 400;">I attended the City Council meeting on April 15 at 6:30 p.m. Brzezinski, Troop, and Schaaf were not in attendance. The meeting began with a presentation from The Department of Public Works about the Erie Loop Bikeway French Street Project. The Redevelopment Authority's Director of Planning and Neighborhood Resources Jackie Spry explained that the project was funded through the state and not Erie tax dollars. Many constituents attended to speak on the proposed market house project on the bayfront as well as affordability issues in the city like higher rent and utilities. The market house plans include a two story mixed-use building east of the previous GAF site adjacent to the Convention Center that will carry Erie-made products and a variety of small vendors. Megan Loney of POH Architects discussed the proposed layout, including sidewalks and ornamental landscaping. "We hope to inform future development of the waterfront commercial campus, promoting growth and posterity in the community," Loney said. 

Constituents had mixed feelings about the project. Freda Tepfer encouraged the team to use native plants in the landscaping as opposed to nonnative ornamentals. Other constituents had hope for the project yet also expressed concerns around vague statements of what the market would include. "I do wish that there was more intention behind what is actually going to be in this building and I hope that comes out sooner rather than later," Cole Schenley said. Constituent Sydney Zimmerman added that she's unable to make an informed decision on whether she is for or against the project. "We've got to get a little more creative to ensure that we don't have another repeat of what happened in Perry Square," Zimmerman said, explaining that the previous business combining Gordan's Meat Market and Erie Food Co-op in the space ultimately became a Country Fair. "It wasn't successful, it wasn't meeting the needs of the community. I really think we need to be thoughtful in meeting the needs of the community." 

During committee reports following public comments discussing affordability and maintenance of rental properties, councilwoman Flores said: "When I hear all of this development going on and that we're trying to attract more people to these areas – we're forgetting the people who are in the poorest zip code who can't afford these amenities." The council addressed the following ordinances: 

• An ordinance appropriating $120,000 for the purchase of three Code Enforcement vehicles and related equipment through a PA Department of Community & Economic Development Grant passed unanimously. 
• An ordinance appropriating $5,000,000 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Disinfection Systems Improvement Project from the Erie Sewer Authority Bond Redemption and Improvement Fund Account passed unanimously. 
• An ordinance appropriating the $350,000 for the construction phase of Erie Loop Bikeway French Street Project passed unanimously. 
• An ordinance appropriating $16,136.55 from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner's Grant for Firefighter Protective Equipment had its first reading and was not voted on. 
• An ordinance appropriating $2,150.00 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania  FY2025 Certified Local Government Grant acting through the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission had its first reading and was not voted on.