Город Форт-Уэйн получил одобрение штата на установку первой в США общественной уборной без охраны

The city of Fort Wayne’s proposed downtown public restroom is no longer stalled after the Indiana Department of Homeland Security granted the required variances, despite concerns from Allen County’s building commissioner. The city applied for a variance from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security that would allow a Portland Loo to bypass some building codes. Portland Loos are a type of single-occupancy public toilet designed in Portland, Oregon, and Fort Wayne would be one of about 250 locations across North America, the city has said. The city requires state approval because parts of the Portland Loo do not comply with building code, including the structure’s anchoring system, its natural ventilation, and the placement of hand dryers and the exterior braille sign. The public bathroom would also have a sink outside of the toilet compartment, and it would be unheated. A few weeks ago, the city’s variance request was denied. The documents were accompanied by a letter of opposition from Building Commissioner Joe Hutter, who said the bathrooms would be unsafe. Hutter also drew attention to the city’s application, which labeled the structure as a “homeless restroom.” Mayor Sharon Tucker said that was a contractor’s mistake, and the bathroom would be available for all. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security said the variance was denied because the city had not “demonstrated that public health, safety and welfare is protected.” The order said the city also didn’t specify the code provisions it needed. The city appealed the denial and announced Wednesday that the department ultimately sided with the original request. “We’re encouraged by the state’s decision to approve our variances through the appeal process,” John Perlich, the city’s director of public information, said in an email. “This helps demonstrate that our plan is on the right path to serve the public in our growing and successful downtown.” The downtown bathroom’s next hurdle is getting approval from Hutter’s office for a final sign-off. Perlich said the city hopes the Portland Loo will be installed in the near future. About two years ago, the city’s Community Development Division first asked the Fort Wayne City Council to support Portland Loos. The first proposal included three in different locations, which would likely cost $900,000. The council last year approved $280,000 for a single Portland Loo. It’s planned for 921 Barr St. Officials have said the style of the unattended public bathroom is a safe way to provide the needed amenity downtown. More information about the public restroom is online at engage.cityoffortwayne.org/downtown-public-restrooms.