Cincinnati could test freestanding restroom

Findlay Market could soon be home to Cincinnati's first freestanding public restroom.  And if the test location does well others could be added in Downtown and Over-the-Rhine.  

Several cities have such facilities.  Portland has successfully developed and placed several “Portland Loos.”

City officials said these freestanding facilities address the major negative issues associated with public restrooms.  

Council Member Chris Seelbach and others had requested the information...

“I think that there’s more of a need for public restroom facilities that we just don’t have,” Seelbach said.  “And the ones we do have aren’t open 24 hours.  So I asked for a report on how we could better handle restroom facilities that are open to the public with our expanding population in Downtown and Over-the-Rhine.”

City administrators didn't recommend expanding hours at existing facilities within public buildings because of personnel costs and repairing damage from vandalism.  

The cost of the freestanding restroom is about $130,000 plus $15,000 a year for maintenance.