Now RT.8 will be shut down a couple times a week for possible jumper calls. People on a mission to kill themselves will not allow a fence to prevent it. People have driven from the falls and stow etc. to that location for a reason. Now they'll go an extra half mile to rt.8. Large waste of tax money, put that money towards prevention, or put a suicide prevention hotline phone on the bridge, with a sign that says last chance.
Now we get the land scape ruined, for a few people who chose the "Y" bridge. Maybe we should get rid of all the rope, pills, sharp objects, guns, vehicle exhaust, and high places, at the cost to the tax payer as well.

WHEN I HEAR THAT SOMEONE JUMPED OFF THE Y-BRIDGE. I WOULD LIKE TO THINK THAT PERSONS LAST THOUGHT WAS "SHOULD I HAVE DON...." FOR WHATEVER REASON THEY JUMPED THEY PROBABLY HAVE NO ONE TO BLAME BUT THEMSELVES I MEAN MAN UP FOR THE POSITION YOUR IN AND DEAL WITH IT. BUT THERE AGAIN THIER PROBABLY JUMPING BECAUSE THIER SPENDING SO MUCH MONEY REPLACING CAR PARTS THAT STEM FROM THE GREAT ROADS WE HAVE ALL THROUGHOUT AKRON.

very well said Brian. I agree if they have their mind set to kill themselves a fence will not stop them.

What a BIG waste of the taxpayer dollar. There is no need for this fence on the bridge at all. There is so much that needs done in this city that really matters. This just shows how out of touch Mayor Donny Boy is with the majority of the voters. Here's hoping the recall is successful today so things like this quit happening in the city.

Vote to Recall Mayor Don today!!!

@Brian, various research studies have shown the suicide attempts at neighboring bridges do NOT increase when a fence is added to a bridge that has many suicides.

Of course, it would be hard for them tell if people try suicide in another manner instead.

It was the death of Bob's son (not brother), Kevin that began his crusade. For those people who find it easy to be callous, try to consider the pain of this and other families left behind.

The fence is hardly the issue. The real issue is what a waste of federal stimulus funds! The schools have been in financial trouble for how many years now? How many layoffs have there been? How many homeowners have had their taxes double or triple in the last 5 years to help with the schools and Akron is spending 8 MILLION DOLLARS on a fence? Recall the mayor and the rest of the "management"!

I have never heard this bridge called "suicide bridge" ever. And I have lived here 40 years

There are still plenty of bridges to choose from. The fence will just take this one out of the equation. This isn't about prevention it's about making people choose another spot to end it.

St Thomas Hospital is right there and the mental ward is on the top floor if they want real help. When someone is that determined life isn't worth living they will find a way no matter what their family/friends say or do.

It's sad to think that some people feel so hopeless they feel this is their only choice.

To sit there and say this fence will save lives is stupid at best since there will be no way of knowing if that person just chose to go off himself at another location or different manner.
To spend $ 8 million in stimulus money on this project to benefit so few when there is a greater need to repair this broken city is crazy.

@scott, the mayor cannot decide to take the money from the bridge and move it to schools. The monies are issued through various government bodies for a specific purpose. We should be able the city made in effort to get the money as some communities did not.

@Wile E Coyote, learn to read. The fence is only $1.5 million. Over $8 million beyond that is going into maintenance and structural improvements.

Stepehen, Though Kevin's Dad started the campaign to have the bridge fence, it was Kevin's brother, Bob, who addressed City Council on Monday.

They need to use the local fence company to stimulate Akrons economy!

Good move by the city. . .

Not sure if i would have used that picture at first glance it looks like Mr Shealy is behind bars.

Stephen - i agree that the pain and suffering family members go through is awful but i still do not think putting a fence up on one bridge will help the situation - i am not trying to be callous- just truthful.
my thoughts and prayers go out to anyone who has had a loved one commit suicide.

@oldmangrump - Our son went off that bridge as well some90 others. Suicide is a temporary moment. Not all those who attempt it and fail repeat the act. Most who think about it never do go that far. Would you like your child to witness someone who has hit the ground? How would you feel if that was your son or daughter who jumped. Kevin had all the advantages in life, top wrestler in high school, top grades. Depression got in the way. MOst people who suffer from depression or addiction are at high risk of suicide. We tried everything. Only $1.9 goes to the fence. Have a little compassion.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

This just made my summer! I have been waiting for 3 yrs , since my dear friend Michael jumped to his death from the Y bridge, for this to happen.

All of you know it alls don't know what you are talking about until you know personally what it feels like.

you are all sooooooo freakin' smart.

Now we have another Obama metric that cannot be validated. First there was "jobs saved" and now there is "lives saved", what a joke.

some of you comment like you have no soul. i pity the people that have to deal with you.

still i would not wish the pain his family and friends dealt with when he jumped, on you hard bitter assed tools.

Seriously???? 9.8 million dollars??? It's a fence right?? I have a fence around my entire back yard. It's a pretty nice fence. It only cost me about $850.00. I'm satisfied with it, and so far no one has tried to commit suicide in my yard so it must be working.

@ Scott - I agree it's not the fence cost, but the use (waste) of $9 million on bridge repairs...drop the bridge, and reroute the traffic. Long term cost savings (and suicides) are enormous. I suspect the traffic volume count is exaggerated as I never see anyone on that bridge anyhow.

@CarolynC~
Im sorry for your loss, it must be hard to read what these selfish people say, more than half dont have jobs and are sitting at home on their computers, and do not even pay tax's.Goodness they can not run the city just live in it

Stimulus money is going to be allocated and spent all over the country whether we like it or not. I think it's great that Akron was able to get so much of it. Seeing as how the majority of the money is being used to repair a bridge that really needs it, we should all appreciate this since it increases the safety for the 18-20,000 vehicles that use the bridge everyday...instead of griping that an 8th of the cost is for a fence.

Besides, this isn't just about a handful of jumpers...this is also about the homes, businesses, and commuters underneath the bridge that deal with the aftermath of a bad choice.

Traditionalist - The fence is $1.5 mil the rest goes is for structural repair. Did you read the article? My goodness, some people answer blogs before they read the story.

You want to save lives support the police Shealy,Sommerville, & idiot Don.

You fat politicians have no idea how to spend tax payer money in a way that will benefit the populas.

We will see what fence compaNY DID THE PAY To PLAY.

Akron did a bad decision one more time.

Next city hall will take away guns so people won't shoot them self, then charge the taxpayer.

Followers----all of them.

Grump, what dont you get? To get money to do other needed repairs to the bridge, they HAVE to put up a fence.

You do want to do repairs to the bridge dont you?

"The project will be paid with $7.9 million in stimulus funds and $1 million in federal bridge funds. City officials have said that any bridge built today would be required to have a fence."

You need a lot of explaining done for you dont you?

I too have NEVER, EVER, heard the bridge called "suicide bridge." WTF?

So it's more important to save a couple lives (who most likely if they really want to commit suicide are going to find another way to do it) by wasting 9.8 million dollars to throw up a fence. That money should have been spent on our youth....after school programs, books, teachers. This is there are so many children committing crimes and growing up to be criminals they have idle hands and we as society have wasted monies on ridiculous things such as this fence instead of investing in the youth. Everyone in office that agreed the put this fence up and other misuse of funds should be voted out of office....it's time to take a stand Americans

That bridge should be destroyed. Spending money on repairs is just delaying the inevitable.

A cheaper solution than a fence would be to just block off the sidewalks on the bridge. You rarely see anybody walking along it, and when you do you usually assume they are a jumper. If blocking the sidewalks doesn't do enough for you, I like the phone idea too. Or a sign pointing to St Thomas' mental health unit.

Oh my heavens, they're actually GOING AHEAD with this?!? Citizens of Akron, think long and hard as you vote today in the recall.

@whatevs - IF you have not ever heard the bridge called the suicide bridge then you don't read the paper.WTF is unnecessary, don't you think.

The bridge has nothing to do with suicide. STOP blaming the bridge. Somebody with find a way to commit suicide in some way or another.

Hello Mitch. Either you have issues or you didn't read the article. If stimulus monies did not pay for the bridge WE would have had to pay for the reconstruction with local taxes rather than federal stimulus funds. The bridge must be repaired and the fence has to be put up because it is now a mandate for all bridges going up or reconstructed. The money is for INFRASTRUCTURE. That means roads and bridges. Can't be used for anything else. Please read the paper.

Suicide is an absolute nightmare for those who are left behind. We feel helpless and want to do something to make sense of the senseless. Putting a fence on a bridge isn't going to reduce suicides in Akron. I work in mental health and doubt that I'll hear people say, "I was going to kill myself by jumping off the Y-bridge, but they put a fence up."

They'll find another way.

Understand that in no circumstances should we blame the bridge. Think about this. If I have a gun on my dining room table and someone comes in and shoots themselves or someone else, who gets the blame? Me, for not properly securing the gun. The bridge has been left unsecured. NOw who gets the blame. Akron. Again, suicide is usually a temporary moment. It can last a minute, hour, day, etc. Most people do not act on the thought or re-attempt suicide a second time. By delaying that moment, police, family, and medical services have time to respond. And maybe...just maybe...the individual trying to climb up the fence will have time to rethink what he is attempting to do and it's consequences to themselves, family, and friends.

Carolyn C. I don't have issues, you do because you are responding with anger. I was responding with concern. I read the article and yes I understand that is mandated for the infrastructure....my point is that the misuse of funding rather it be federal, state or/and local is a issue. I personally don't care who jumps off the bridge...it could be my mother. If someone wants to kill themselves let them that is their decision and if they really want to there is nothing you can do to stop them. If that bridge is such and issue tear it down. I'm sure that people can find another way to get across town

Akron citizens main concern today should be to:

vote FOR the RECALL

There's actually people posting here, that think the Mayor can just move stimulus funds for roadways to the schools?

Amazing.

I chuckled when I saw that the picture was Mr. Shealey sitting behind a sample of the fencing. At first glance, I thought it was going to be an article about some fellow who had been locked up. I think the fence is good move and hope that it saves some people.

CalmNsense - If you work in the mental health field, then you know that suicide is often a temporary moment in a persons life.

People don't cross the bridge and think "Oh, I'll jump off." They go to the bridge with the intention of jumping. To say that's a "momentary" thought is not very accurate.

.... fortunately, I have not had to deal with the agony of families & friends left behind by a suicide
..... BUT, the cost for this 'MAYBE' deterrent is just silly
..... can they also reinforce the fencing on the south end of the St.T-Summa parking deck ... it would be just as nasty a faal from that location, but since FREE money isn't available, I doubt it will be an issue

All of this is sad. Just leaves the family with unanswered qustions?
I've known many that have jumped from the bridge. Most was riddled with drugs and then off to the brige they go.
Basically already @their death before jumping.

Why is it too small to climb? Surely Fingers will fit in the openings, then a person witj reasonable upper body strength can pull themselves up as the walk up the fence. Will this be painfull? Yes, but remember these are people that want to die.

After reading all of the remarks, I am glad that they are at least 3 people. Gain Some More Reality, ZippyEm & connelly, who actually have some intelligence here. This money everyone is complaining about is federal stimulus money, thank you City of Akron for having the smarts to apply for this money, if left up to all of the others on this post, then the money would have gone to Greenville SC or some other city, because heaven forbid if we get some of the money to improve our city. The federal government dictates how the money is to be used, unfortunately it was not intended to go to the schools, so Akron is not allowed to use it as such.

I'd rather the money went to the bridge than a dime to the Akron Public Schools, I'd rather see the money burned than go to the schools.Forget the recall, I'll never vote for a school levy again.

Enjoy your last view of the city and city fireworks this year...what a waste of a good view?

Surprised they don't use the Turnpike bridge over the Valley. That would be a good one. Must be the high toll costs.

Jon, do the research. A suicidal moment can last from a few minutes to a day, week, etc. For those who suffer depression or addiction, or those who have suffered in some situation,it may come and go. Okay, our son had it in mind. But I he was one where the moment was there, then it wasn't. People don't always discuss this with others, and some really don't think they have a problem and and realize they need help.

1.5 million is going to the fence and about 7-8 million is going for bridge improvements to be clear.

If your going to kill yourself just find another bridge, there's plenty of them. If Akron is wasting money this way I can only imagine what other U.S. cities are wasting it on. When someone jumps off that bridge we all read about it in the paper, but people kill themselves in this city every week, and we dont read a word about it. When this fence is complete we will no longer read about people jumping off of it, but those people will find other ways to kill themselves and we will simply never hear about it.

When people attempt suicide, they often choose the path of least resistance. Putting the fence up will greatly reduce the suicides on that bridge, but increase it elsewhere. In the end, all you have is suicides some where else and a fence on the bridge.

I wonder who the genius is that thought of such an excellent idea like putting up a fence to prevent citizens from jumping off the bridge.......and thank goodness that person is doing so RIGHT after building those beautiful homes underneath.....

I for one of the few,agree to take the money to fix
the bridge..to bad we couldn't get more to fix the
rest of the roads and bridge's in our city..
and when the fence is up..hopefully all this well
be as it should be.. over with..

for all of those haters commenting negatively on the placing up a fence....how about you and your children go down to one of the units underneath and come outside in the morning for work/school and view an individual who has taken their life by jumping off that bridge and then comment on if it's not a good idea for the fence!!!! Oh and let me know if your kids think that it is a waste of money!!!!

Wolf and Diann - Amen!

I have to say Shealey looks good behind bars.

Eh, who cares. At least we'll have something obstructing our view of a deteriorating city while driving across the bridge.

Glad to see that the fence will be coated. That way it'll be easier to grip and climb. I guess the fence will stop suicidal fat people who want to go out with a headline on ohio.com.

Then again, I wonder how long it will be until someone swings by Harbor Freight for a $10 pair of bolt cutters and makes a jump hole through the middle of the fence... At least we'll know where to look below.

Alright people, start jumping off every bridge, overpass, and street in the city. Maybe we can get them all fixed.

Bridges do not cause suicides!
Suicidal people will always find another way.
Their hurting.
Carolyn do you really really think your son would not have jumped from the Gorge or somewhere else???

The only reason the fence even half sounds reasonable is this

:Shealey said the fence also was needed because of the people who live under the bridge and have had to deal with the aftermath of a suicide. He said these residents were concerned about
children being traumatized.

It just baffles me why antone would waste the money to put a fence on the "Y" bridge. How many other bridges are there in the area. Jumpers only need to go find one of the hundreds of other bridges.

They could go jump off an innerbelt bridge and not be discovered for days!

AkronLaw - Wirecutters? Hopefully no one from your family.

Bendover - again..do some research on suicide.

to all here who think this is 'free' money. Guess again...

Okay, for the last time. Some folks aren't quite getting it....

To do NEEDED REPAIRS on the bridge, that are paid for by STIMULUS funds, a fence must be put up.

Again, you all do want the NEEDED repairs done right?

Then you want the fence. I know it's complicated.

here is why we need a recall of Donnie Boy...if someone is bent to commit suicide if the bridge isn't there, then they will find another way. There has to be better use for this money than on this project as far as the fencing.

Okay - 1.5 million for a FENCE??? Lets put all the zeros in there so it really has an accurate impact $1,500,000.00 - FOR A FENCE!!?? Have we all gone out of our minds?

I can't wait until the "MessiaObama" swoops in to save us from ourselves. Surely more government regulation/"stimulation" will cure us of our evils!

Toledo Glass Bridge...

Minneapolis...

Innerbelt Bridge Cleveland...

Do we want to get to this point? I am so in favor of repairing a 3/4 mile long bridge that is over a valley about 100 feet with federal money that I tell everybody about it.

Forget the fence, the bridge needs fixed. I just drove over it today, and I always see it used. The fence is mandatory to receive the funds.

An ounce of prevention...

"here is why we need a recall of Donnie Boy...if someone is bent to commit suicide if the bridge isn't there, then they will find another way"

Ohhhh, that's why you want the recall. Thanks for the info mom of2.

So, the Mayor can spend the federal STIMULUS money any way he wants?

(eyes rolling)

Exactly jschnell...the fence isn't important. This is about repairing a bridge that has a lot of vehicle, bike, and pedestrian traffic (contrary to some erroneous opinions posted by others). Some people make this about suicide, but it's about money that is available--we apply for it---get it---but with 1 condition---we must fence it.

BTW...$1.5 mil seems like a lot, but how long is the bridge? A quarter-mile each way...maybe? Based on that estimate, they'll need a mile of fencing. For the guy who said he fenced his backyard for $800...I'm SURE his backyard isn't a mile long.

What a crock. It's as bad as the recall for waste of money. People who want to be dead will be. Deal with it.

@CarolynC - I did some research on suicide methods. Did you know (I didn't) that jumping off high places only accounts for 2% of the suicides committed annually in the U.S? Interestingly, 55% involve the use of firearms. Seems more stringent regulations around who can obtain a firearm would be more useful to prevent suicide than fencing 1 bridge.

@spaceminer70 Where have you been living? Under a rock? I've lived here about as long as you have, I've heard it called the "suicide bridge" several times. You've probably never heard of the "singing bridge", either. The bridge over the Gorge into Cuyahoga Falls used to be basically a metal grid, and when studs on tires were allowed during the winter, the bridge made a sort of "singing noise" when the studded tires ran over the metal on the bridge.

OldManGrump YOU ARE MISSING THE PICTURE.It will stop Don from jumping off the bridge And what he will be looking threw,After the FBI come calling.

Yes, we must accept the $1.5MM fence to get the $7-8MM bridge repair. The point of most posters' arguements is that the requirement is ridiculous.

Whether these are Federal, State or Local dollars being spent, the money still comes from the taxpayers. As such, the money should be used at its highest use -- not just tossed around frivolously.

$8MM of the cost is for a worthy cause. The fence portion is not. Maybe it would be if it could be proven to stop suicides, but it can't. It just, hopefull, stops suicides at that location.

It's a fools errand to try to legislate away suicide. Making a requirement to fence all new or reconstructed bridges is just that. Those willing to end their lives by jumping will just find a different way to do the deed.

I can't wait to hear everyone b*&#$ing about the back ups on Route 8 caused by jumpers. People with a death wish will find a way!

Let these dummies jump!

Let them jump!!!

this is great.. a couple of weeks back an fox cable news sean hannity had our wonderful bridge and the wasted million dollars of stimulus money. it was titled 101 wasted projects. thanks king don! recall recall recall

no where in the article states they had 2 put up a fence. it said bridge built today. total was of money. what a waste of taxpayer money!

No, it doesn't, hoopie, but those familiar with the issue know that the fence must be put up to comply with the law.

To Carolyn C.= my sympthay's for you and family. Some of these people that comment, do so everyday, and hate everything, or are kooks. some are just insensitive bast****. The fence should have been up long ago.
P.S. I am not a supporter of Donny group.

To all the families & victims of trauma from jumpers--- I am soo sorry , but you all know in your hearts that this will not change. It will just move to another place.

@Bridget, fencing the bridge is not just about the person that died, but how it effects all the people living below the bridge.

Once again, we hear from all of the armchair shrinks on this site who know all the facts regarding suicide. Thank you doctors for your well studied conclusions. I hope to be reading some of your works real soon.

Brian and Michael G - would you mind telling me where I can find your research and publications on the causes and dynamics of suicidal behaviors. I'm sure they are riveting.

@samhall, many studies have shown suicides at nearby bridges do NOT increase when a fence is erected.

@wv hoopie, often you must come up to code anytime you make a major addition, change, or even maintenance on a structure. I am not sure if that is the case here but some have claimed it to be, but no one has provided a source of information saying such.

Nice bilbo

You know, I've had times in my past I've considered and attempted suicide in my past. I realize it's a permanent solution to a temporary problem, but honestly, I have to reiterate what alot of these other posters are saying: If someone wants to take their life, they will find a means to do it.

This is a huge waste of money. You can't protect people from themselves. I saw the artist rendition and the fence is straight up and down. This will not stop anyone from jumping off the bridge instead they will have to climg a five foot fence and then jump off the bridge. Government at it's best, wasting taxpayer dollars.

They should rename it the cowards bridge

@Gain some more ignorance

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/HighwayOps/Structures/standard/Bridges/Standard%20Drawings/vpf190.pdf

No, I'm named after a fictional character from a fantasy book. Grow up.

@The Truth is Out There
First, why are you calling me "more ignorance"? What did I ever do to you? I cannot even find where I replied to any of your posts in this thread.

And if this is to my comment that no one has posted proof that it must have a fence to come up to code, these drawing do not do that either.

Agree with the posters about the picture-looks like this fellow is in jail. I get the if we want the money to fix the bridge the fence is part of the deal. I'm not sure why anyone is against a fence? If it makes someone stop and think before they jump then it's well worth it. Granted if someone is really determined they will find a way but if creates some doubt and makes a person wait and then they change there mind wouldn't it be worth it? Not everyone knows that St.Thomas has a mental unit. Couldn't a phone been located on the end of the bridge that would have been connected to the hospital-like a help line? Also if you lived under the bridge you probably would be happy not worry about someone jumping, falling and landing in your living room less than 2 minutes after you left for work: True story, would have killed her too-was sitting on the couch putting on her shoes, got up ,left for work and jumper came through the roof.

Is their suicide watch on the bridge tonight for the recall caravan? I heard they are headed that way flashing their car lights and honking their horns.

How about a noose at every other light pole?

Problem solved - money saved.

Or maybe trampolines strategically placed?

See, we knock down ALL the bridges.....

Some of the benefits of the fencing as I see it are ...

1. To satisfy the funding requirements the fence is needed. A fence vs. receiving millions for repairs is a no-brainer.
2. It will act a suicide deterrent and MAY dissuade spontaneous attempts.
3. The citizens and their families who live below the bridge may now finally have some peace of mind. Think how awful it would be, on a somewhat frequent basis, to get up in the morning and find a body in the street or on your doorstep.
4. Traffic tie-ups due to closing the bridge for jumpers will be reduced or eliminated.
5. Those who are deterred from jumping may gain one more opportunity to seek help.

How many people actually attempt this every year?

How many jobs will be created or saved? How many lives will be created or saved?

BHO you gotta go!

Why do people this is going to save someones life? The person who wants to commit suicide will not go to that bridge anymore, they will go somewhere else. Its not like this fence is going to be a surprise to jumpers, they will know about it and wont head that way on their last trip.