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Council keeps donated bench at Wright State bridge, directs staff to explore deterrent modifications
Summary
After receiving business complaints and public testimony, council voted to keep a donor’s commemorative bench in place but asked staff to explore feasible modifications to discourage sleeping and consult the donor before any physical changes or relocation.
Beavercreek City Council voted to keep a commemorative bench located at the pedestrian bridge near Wright State University but directed staff to explore modifications to deter sleeping and to consult the donor family before making physical changes.
Council members and members of the public described competing concerns: donor recognition and community tribute for the Brislon family versus business owners’ reports of vagrancy, litter and employee safety concerns near the bench. One council member said preserving the bench honors the donor’s service on the bridge project, while other members urged practical changes to reduce the bench’s unintended use as a sleeping spot.
Staff reported the manufacturer does not produce a factory divider for that bench style and warned that retrofitting dividers without proper support could damage the existing bench or its engraving. The city manager’s staff agreed to investigate options — including a structural support, purchasing a replacement bench with built‑in dividers, or designing a support addition — and to consult with the donor family about acceptable solutions. Council also asked staff to consider patrols and lighting as part of mitigation measures.
The motion carried to keep the bench in situ with a directive for staff to return with feasible modification options and donor input.
