Too much transient partying spurs Aspen to relocate public bench

Aspen City Council on Tuesday decided it will have one of two benches near Mill Street and Hyman Avenue relocated following multiple complaints about a transient population congregating in the area. Over the past year, multiple police reports have been filed concerning marijuana smoking, drinking, and general unruly behavior.

Aspen’s Mayor Torre acknowledged the ongoing issue, saying, “We have had varying degrees of success in clearing them out, and the past two days have been good. But we all know that is not going to last.”

The decision comes after concerns were raised by both local businesses and City Council, which wanted to handle the situation with sensitivity and minimize harm. Six businesses signed a petition urging the city to find a humane solution that would not disrupt traffic or lead to customers being accosted, which has been a significant issue in the past.

City Manager Sara Ott announced that one of the benches would be relocated after the Food and Wine Classic event this weekend.

“We are only moving one bench, and it will remain nearby on the same street,” she said. “We have a donor agreement that we have to honor through the Welch family’s request.”

The Welch family donated the benches.

Ott suggested positioning one bench perpendicular to the street and the other facing the right of way, leaving about 10 to 15 yards between them.

According to a nearby business, which requested anonymity due to fears of retribution, the problem has persisted for about a year. Just this week, it called the police three times due to incidents involving marijuana smoking, drinking, and individuals urinating on the business’s back door.

The City Council and local businesses aim to address the complaints while considering the needs and dignity of the individuals involved.