Scene from the room just before the meeting began.

Decatur’s City Commission is still listening to public comments about proposals to temporarily prohibit issuing permits for residential tear downs and tree removal.

The meeting began at 7:30 p.m. and public comments began at 8 p.m. Several news cameras were in the room, but most have left as the evening has worn on.

City Commission expanded its meeting room by moving a piece of removable wall and adding chairs. The comments have been passionate but civil. Speakers on both sides of the debate – long-time residents vs. new residents and builders – are  drawing a polite smattering of applause from the audience.

There’s no limit on the amount of public comments the City Commission will hear. Mayor Jim Baskett said the City Commission will take a short recess once comments are finished. Decaturish.com will post an update as soon as the City Commission makes a decision about the moratoriums it is considering.