Tyler square may begin closing early in the mornings

TYLER - Something that's been bothering downtown business owners in Tyler is the loitering that goes on at night.  Many of those loitering are part of Tyler's homeless population.

Tomorrow at a Smith County comissioners court meeting, officials will be discussing the issue.

One of the items on the commisioner court's agenda tomorrow is closing the Tyler Square from the hours of 1 in the morning to 6 in the morning.

The court says that the issue was discussed last year, but business owners say the problem has gotten worse since.

Businesses on the square have been complaining that loiterers have even come into their stores asking for money and free food.

Adam Morris with Sports Zone Bar and Grill has been having some of those problems.

"Customers coming in and out, asking for money or cigarettes or food.  It's been a problem, especially during business hours and even after business hours," Morris said.

Tomorrow's comissioners court meeting is at 9:30 in the courthouse annex.