Commission addresses Little Debbie Park parking, Google mapping and Greenway graffiti; staff to add signage and cameras

Commissioners discussed multiple issues tied to the city’s greenway and Little Debbie Park: address and mapping for the new parking lot, parking and bus loading configurations, and recurring graffiti along the greenway.

Commissioner House recounted instances of out‑of‑town visitors and emergency units being routed to the park pavilion rather than the parking lot and asked whether a separate Google map entry or a named address for the parking lot (for example, “Little Debbie Park Parking Lot” or “Little Debbie Park Pavilion”) could direct visitors to the lot. Staff warned this could cause automated dispatch confusion if external mapping altered address records used by emergency services and said they would coordinate with Google and Hamilton County GIS to register a parking‑lot location and add monument signage indicating additional parking.

On parking operations, staff and commissioners discussed whether the new parking lot requires additional designated handicapped spaces or a loading zone for buses and whether buses should be routed into apartment complexes for safer student drop‑offs. Staff said buses typically stop, unload and leave; when field trips occur buses may park longer but most do not. Commission members asked staff to consider reserved or loading zones and to monitor demand once the new lot is in regular use.

The commission also raised repeated graffiti incidents on the greenway. Staff said police and public works are responding and that the department has taken enforcement steps on at least one graffiti incident. Staff reported they are expanding the public‑space camera system and that crews were installing electricity for additional cameras; commissioners discussed selective solar camera options where tree cover allows, and adding signage stating “This area is under camera surveillance” as a deterrent. Staff emphasized that lighting and camera installation across the full greenway would be expensive and require tree removal and pavement repairs; rough past estimates for full electrification were described as running into the millions.

Commissioners asked staff to move forward on monument signs for the parking lot, pursue a Google/location listing for the parking area coordinated with county GIS and emergency dispatch, and return with options for cameras and targeted lighting at high‑incident locations.