Sanford candidates pledge action on safety as Heritage Crossing stays closed

Sanford voters will choose between four mayoral and seven City Council candidates on Tuesday, with public safety serving as the central campaign theme. The debate is driven by the ongoing closure of Heritage Crossing near the old Woolen Mill, an area the city has labeled an attractive nuisance and an extraordinary public safety hazard. Council members voted earlier this month to keep the road closed until public safety officials confirm it is safe for traffic.

The issue has gained traction amid local uncertainty regarding a potential data center and a biosolid processing plant. Chronic homelessness has emerged as the dominant concern for residents, prompting a direct response from every candidate in the race. The Palm Harbor Herald reviewed the positions of all eleven candidates, utilizing written responses and remarks from a recent Meet the Candidates event.

Deputy Mayor Maura Herlihy, seeking to succeed Mayor Becky Brink, emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between local and state authorities. She credited the Sanford police and fire departments with doing an exceptional job but argued that areas like Heritage Crossing require more investment in security measures such as cameras to deter illegal activity. Her platform includes securing immediate winter sheltering options and pushing for judicial reforms that hold individuals accountable during rehabilitation.

City Council member Pete Tranchemontagne identified preventing major fires at the mill as his primary safety concern. He stated that his biggest priority would be working with state and local officials to acquire necessary funding, ensuring the costs do not fall on Sanford taxpayers. He noted that public safety is the number one job of local government, followed by reducing the community's tax burden through economic development. Tranchemontagne has campaigned heavily on this issue, citing dozens of letters sent to lawmakers requesting additional assistance from local agencies.

Daniel White proposed a strategy to address environmental hazards at Heritage Crossing if the city acquires the property. He said he would initiate a feasibility study and secure federal, state, and historic preservation grants to revitalize the site into a textile heritage museum. White expressed full confidence in the capabilities of local public safety officials to handle pressing safety concerns. Matthew Dupuis did not respond to a direct request for comment but stated at the Meet the Candidates night that the city's legal options for managing chronic homelessness are limited, particularly for individuals who do not want assistance.

Among the candidates running for the two open City Council seats, Alex Clary, Michael Perry, and Meagan Crawford agreed that transparency and education are priorities to keep residents informed. Crawford said she would work toward establishing a warming center. Shawn Goowdin expressed concerns about the funding and building maintenance required for a warming shelter. He argued that the best course of action for both housed and unhoused residents is to keep the mill building closed.

Incumbent Council member Jonathan Martell, running for reelection, said the city's decision to pause its syringe service program late last year was a step in the right direction. He stressed that police need sufficient support and resources to keep the city safe. Victoria Pariyar linked chronic homelessness to mental health issues and emphasized the importance of respect in municipal solutions. She noted that people are nervous and suggested that more businesses would help the situation. Bryce Lambert said the city needs to find creative measures to help the police department with enforcement without violating any laws.