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Council elects to keep commemorative bench on bridge, asks staff to design modifications
Summary
After business concerns about vagrancy, council voted to keep a donor‑funded bench at the pedestrian bridge but directed staff to explore feasible modifications to deter lying down and to consult with the donor family about any changes.
Council considered a request from nearby businesses to relocate a commemorative bench installed at the pedestrian bridge near Wright State because of reported vagrancy and safety concerns. Several council members and business representatives described perceived impacts on customers and employees; supporters emphasized the bench was a donor recognition chosen specifically by the donor family.
Council discussed modification options—adding dividers or a support structure to deter lying down—and staff said the bench’s construction and engraving limited retrofit options. A council member urged test‑build options by city staff; another recommended consulting the donor family before altering the bench. A motion to retain the bench and pursue feasible modifications passed by voice vote. Staff will contact the donor family, cost out modification or replacement options and report back to council.
Council also noted recent mitigation efforts (brush clearing and increased patrols) had reduced some of the problematic activity in the area, and members asked staff to consider lighting and other non‑structural responses alongside physical modifications.
