KETCHIKAN — Complaints about behavior at benches in Ketchikan have spurred a discussion about how the city can help homeless and inebriated residents.
The Ketchikan Daily News reported Councilmember Bob Sivertsen recently directed city staff to create a task force to explore solutions.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough officials discussed removing a street’s planter box benches in response to complaints from area business owners.
Councilmembers Julie Isom and Janalee Gage say taking the benches out would only shift the problem to other parts of the city.
Several residents told council members they were in favor of helping homeless individuals and those with substance abuse issues rather than removing the benches.
The City Council’s next scheduled meeting is Sept. 1.
