Walton Ridge residents asked the Corinth City Council during public comment to remove or relocate a barbecue and seating area that was installed along the property line of Building 3 at Hayward Apartments and to require construction of a protective wall or fence to restore privacy and reduce safety problems, resident Sana Merchant said.

Merchant said she presented a signed petition and listed specific requests: removal or relocation of the barbecue and seating area and construction of a protective barrier between the apartment complex and Walton Ridge homes. “We respectfully are asking the city to take 2 specific actions, remove or relocate the barbecue grill and public seating area that was recently installed along the property line shared by Walton Ridge in Building Number 3 of the Hayward Apartments, And 2, construct a protective wall or fence between our homes and the apartment complex to restore privacy, reduce noise, and improve safety,” Merchant said.

Merchant told the council the barbecue area sits “alarmingly close to our front yards,” creating a smoke and fire risk, increased noise and foot traffic, discarded trash and construction debris spilling into yards, and drainage that floods sidewalks and contributes to algae and mosquito problems. She said those disruptions are “degrading the value of our homes and the peace of our neighborhood.”

Merchant asked the city to review whether the barbecue complies with the city’s burn permit and related guidelines — specifically whether a “continuous, water source, capable of extinguishing fire” is available — and to address drainage that causes runoff onto sidewalks. She said residents want written commitments, a single point of contact for follow-up, and regular updates and opportunities for input. “We welcome that mitigation plan, but we do respectfully request that this and any other commitments be provided in writing, that a clear point of contact be assigned for follow-up, and that we have regular updates and input opportunities moving forward,” Merchant said. She also said residents are considering a mitigation plan that includes a six-foot board‑on‑board fence along the property line.

Merchant thanked Councilwoman Kelly Pickens for assistance so far. The remarks were made during the council’s public comment period; the transcript contains no action by the council on the petition, and no formal direction or vote on the barbecue, fence or drainage was recorded during the meeting.

Members of the public may seek follow-up with city staff or the council to request that the council place the matter on a future agenda for formal consideration.