Online interested parties meeting for enhanced fall protections, other self-harm deterrent measures at Fifth and Walnut parking garage scheduled for Aug. 17-31

The City of Columbia Public Works Department is requesting public feedback regarding enhanced fall protection and other self-harm deterrent measures within the existing Fifth and Walnut Street parking structure. As part of the City’s public involvement process, and due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, Public Works is holding an online interested parties (IP) meeting from Monday, Aug. 17 to Monday, Aug. 31 at como.gov/publicworks/enhanced-fall-protection-and-other-self-harm-deterrent-measures-within-fifth-and-walnut-parking-garage/

Since opening in 2011, individuals have used the Fifth and Walnut Street parking structure to cause self-harm. Due to these events, the City would like to explore options that may lower the chance that an individual would use the parking structure at Fifth and Walnut Street to attempt to cause self-harm in the future. These options include exceeding the requirements of the building code in effect at the time of the original design of the parking structure. As part of the engagement, the City is contracted with Walker Consultants to participate in community engagement sessions to review enhanced fall protection options, industry data and other relevant information.

Investment for this project is estimated at an initial $300,000, which will be paid from the Parking Utility Enterprise Fund.

The online comment period will run from Aug. 17 to Aug. 31. During this time, residents may review preliminary plans, contact Public Works staff with questions and comments and complete the IP Comment Form. After the interested parties meeting is complete, preliminary plans are then developed and presented to the City Council during a formal public hearing.  Public comments are heard before a final discussion and/or vote is conducted by the Council.