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Downtown businesses press city for public restrooms as Clock Tower plans proceed
Summary
Business owners and downtown stakeholders told the joint committees that restrooms are a top priority for downtown activation; staff and police said operational and safety challenges must be addressed before adding permanent facilities.
Multiple downtown business owners told the joint Public Safety and Quality of Life committees that public restrooms are essential for customers and tourists and are a leading reason to activate the Clock Tower Plaza site.
"We need restrooms downtown...we get requests all the time for using our restrooms," said a downtown business owner during public comment, describing frequent customer requests and the operational burden placed on private businesses. Committee members acknowledged the need but raised concerns about vandalism, staffing and maintenance costs. Police Chief John Shecht said deterrence and staffing are necessary: "When when people are not present to deter that activity, namely police, those things are gonna happen." Staff and council members discussed alternatives including portable restrooms with pumping solutions, phased permanent restrooms, or keeping existing park restrooms open where feasible.
Committee members asked staff to return with cost estimates and operational plans that address security and maintenance before committing grant or city funds to permanent restrooms.
