Danville City Council rejected Thursday night a proposed ban on the use of skateboards in the Main Street Plaza. The rejection came when a motion to enact the ban died for lack of a second.
Instead of a ban, Councilman James Bucker suggested the city install skateboard stops in the masonry surfaces in the plaza. The stoppers are designed to deter skaters without adversely affecting the appearance or functionality of the masonry surfaces. Buckner said other cities have installed stoppers.
City Council had debated this issue at work sessions held in June and July.
The proposed ban was being considered because of concerns of possible damage to the JTI Fountain, benches and brick pavers. In addition to concerns of possible damage in the Main Street Plaza, the city has received complaints of property damage from business owners in the River District and throughout the city.
As a result, Council also had debated banning the use of roller skates and skateboards and the riding of bicycles and electric personal assistive mobility devices on sidewalks or crosswalks of any church, school, recreational facility and business property open to the public that posts a sign prohibiting such activity.
