Arm rests and trays have been removed from some of the benches along Main St. in Downtown Evansville. WNIN’s John Gibson tells us why:
Mayor Terry’s Communications Director Joe Atkinson says it was a city decision, and concerns voiced by homeless advocates were a factor in the decision.
Advocates say the armrests and trays in the center of the benches are designed to prevent homeless people from sleeping on them.
Atkinson says Mayor Terry felt there was a need to balance the concerns of residents.
He says members of the administration frequently see people using the center trays for eating or holding books.
Atkinson says removing some of the trays allow those using them to keep doing so, while also acting on the concerns regarding the unhoused population.