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Railroad Museum leaders tell council homeless activity has damaged depot and museum
Summary
Officials from the Regional Railroad Museum told the City Council they have experienced vandalism and safety issues linked to people experiencing homelessness, including stripped wiring, broken windows, an arson incident that damaged HVAC equipment, cut water faucet cables and refuse in the parking lot; council leaders said they will address the concerns while ensuring legal compliance.
Two representatives of the Regional Railroad Museum addressed the Council during the citizen input portion of the April 20 meeting to report ongoing vandalism and hazards at the museum and the Historic Frisco Train Depot.
Richard White, who identified himself as president of the Railroad Museum, said volunteers had found “stripped wiring, busted windows, broke in and lit a fire, damaged the HVAC system, and cut cables on [the] water faucet outside,” and that donated food was being left in the lot because people had no way to cook it. He said museum volunteers were cleaning human waste left in the parking area and asked the city to address the situation.
Austin Kirby, identified as vice president of the Railroad Museum, said the Historic Train Depot has seen similar issues, including graffiti, and that the homelessness situation had become “out of control and unsafe.”
Mayor Robert Smith acknowledged the concerns and said the Council will address them. Assistant City Manager Lori J. Phelps told the Council the homelessness issues “are currently being addressed prioritizing due diligence to ensure full legal compliance.”
No formal action was taken at the April 20 meeting; staff and council members indicated they would pursue appropriate responses and follow-up consistent with legal requirements and municipal procedures.
