Morgantown council flags restrooms, water stations and art installations as top downtown priorities

MORGANTOWN — Councilors said providing accessible restrooms, water stations and benches downtown should be a near-term priority to keep people in public spaces and support local businesses.

City staff presented a packet summarizing public feedback that emphasized arts and culture, the ballpark, the library and general public amenities such as restrooms, benches and shade. One councilor argued extended facility hours are important for both comfort and safety: "People are going to use the restroom somewhere," a councilor said during the discussion.

Members also raised ideas from the public workshop for temporary evening installations or "playgrounds after dark" to encourage families and visitors to linger downtown. The Director of Development Services described such concepts as often temporary pilot projects that can require staffing and maintenance. "Sometimes you'll see ... temporary art installations" the director said, noting staffing is a component for installations that remain beyond single events.

Councilors asked staff to follow up on a previously formed subcommittee to explore fundraising and facility options for an expanded library and other amenities. Staff said the details are in the packet and offered to return with additional cost and operational information if council wished to prioritize specific projects.

Looking ahead, council members signaled interest in practical, staged approaches — adding water fountains or benches where feasible and piloting temporary art installations — while deferring detailed funding decisions until staff can present cost estimates and potential funding sources.