Columbia’s Wabash station could be used as warming station again this winter

Staff members are recommending that Columbia’s city council consider approving using the Wabash Station lobby as a warming station again this winter.

The council will hear a report on the issue at Monday night’s meeting, which begins at 7.

The Wabash Station, which is located downtown, was used as a warming station for nine nights during this past 2020-2021 year. Nighttime temperatures during those nine nights were forecast to be below nine degrees. The staff report says the station provided warming to those without proper shelter from 8 pm to 6 am, during those nine nights.

Airport security personnel monitored the lobby area at night, and city custodians cleaned the area each day, according to the report.