Bart Walrath, speaking for the Vista Neighborhood Association, asked the Columbia City committee on Monday to approve a revised placement for a gateway public-art installation in the Lincoln Street Tunnel.

Walrath said the proposal moves the gateway about one-third of the walkway away from the face of the tunnel to avoid anchoring into the tunnel’s original stone and to instead attach to concrete retaining-wall structures. “The purpose again of our gateway is to welcome people, not only to the tunnel, but, to our wonderful new Findlay Park and the Greenway,” Walrath said.

City staff told the committee they had shared a written assessment prepared with Chief Holbrook and his team. The assessment included an option to close the tunnel each evening, but staff said that, after discussion with police, the tunnel will remain open and that officers must retain the ability to secure it when incidents arise. “They want to be able to secure it when there’s an issue,” a city staff member said.

The staff member said the city has added camera surveillance inside the tunnel and that fencing and gate designs are still under discussion; costs for replacement fencing and gates are being negotiated. The staff update said the project team is seeking an anchoring approach that avoids damaging the tunnel stone and uses the existing concrete bulwarks for attachment.

Committee members asked technical questions about anchor points and whether both sides of the tunnel would be reinforced; Walrath replied that the opposing side is virtually identical and that anchors would be placed on both sides to avoid disturbing the stone. The staff member also noted the city’s ability to secure the tunnel from both ends if needed.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the art installation during the session. The chair said there was a consensus to continue refining the design and security approach and to return the item to the full council when the proposal is ready for formal consideration.

The meeting also included routine procedural items, including a motion to approve the minutes of 09/23/2025 and 10/21/2025 and a motion to adjourn; the transcript records the motions being moved but does not record roll-call votes.