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Maplewood discusses Yale Open Space safety, bench removal and plans for Ward 2 investments
Summary
Council and staff reviewed recent actions at the Yale Open Space bus shelter in Ward 2, including removal of a bench and shutoff of electricity after reported drug activity and drinking; police say calls and congregation declined and staff plan community outreach, a new social services coordinator and a police engagement center.
Maplewood councilmembers and staff discussed neighborhood investments and public-safety steps at the Yale Open Space and adjacent bus shelter during the Sept. 9 work session after residents and businesses raised concerns about drug activity and drinking. City staff removed a bench and shut off power at the shelter; police said the moves reduced on-site congregation.
"Since the removal of the bench and electric, the congregating has diminished quite significantly," Police Chief Nyberg said, describing documented arrests and ongoing investigations into fentanyl, heroin and meth at the location. The chief said drinking there has led to disturbances and that citations for public drinking proceed through the court system.
Staff said the removal of the bench and power was intended to address public-safety risks while the city develops longer-term solutions. Amber, a city staff member, told the council the parks "no camping" rule exists and can provide an enforcement mechanism: "We do have that in existence for our parks," she said, noting that such rules are meant to be paired with outreach to connect people to services.
The council heard that calls for service decreased after the bench was removed but that some activity shifted to other nearby locations, including a Bellevue parking lot. Councilmembers and staff distinguished the Yale bus shelter area from Sutton Loop Park: Chief Nyberg said the bus-shelter location had more documented drug and drinking incidents, whereas Sutton Loop calls were more often mental-health related.
Councilmembers urged that current measures be treated as temporary while the city solicits public feedback and explores investments to make the space usable for residents. Staff plans to survey attendees at Regional Night Out and the upcoming Ward 2 meeting and to bring the issue to the Parks Board in September. The council also discussed partnering with Artist First on design and public art for the green space.
City staff said they have filled the social services coordinator position; the city manager announced the accepted candidate is planning to start on Sept. 22. The council was also told the police community engagement center in the Broadmoor Building is "moving forward" and should open within a few weeks.
No formal votes were taken on these items at the work session. Councilmembers asked staff to continue outreach and to consider short-term measures that can be restored if they prove safe and effective.
