Last evening, in spite of all the rain, there was a protest in front of City Hall by some who are against the recent ordinance (2016-06) that passed on second reading by Scott Maxwell, Pam Triolo and Andy Amoroso. This ordinance provides that public property can be regulated regarding hours of use.
Of course, no where in the Ordinance does it mention the word "homeless" but everyone with half a brain understands why it was on the Agenda to begin with. Instead of dealing with the problem and coming up with humane solutions, it was easier to pass an ordinance making it illegal for the homeless to even think of stepping on public property after a certain time. The Homeless like to hangout at Bryant Park, the Cultural Plaza and some even in front of City Hall.
Hours must be set as Resolution 06-2016 failed because Mayor Triolo did not stay and do her job and vote on the item. Supposedly, it will be on the February 2 agenda.
Click here to see the video and write-up at Channel 12.
why would the police harass that protestor? Is this not the USA anymore? free speech!
ReplyDeleteDid I miss something? I looked at the video 3 times and didn't see any harassment?
ReplyDeleteI did see several protesters holding up signs that mentioned a curfew. I've read the entire ordinance twice and there's nothing in the ordinance it specifically states this is a curfew. Nor specifically mentions the homeless. The truly homeless are being bullied and victimized by the druggies that hang out the the parks and Cultural Plaza, all so the druggies can score their drugs to feed their habits.
Let's call in the governor to address these complex issues facing the homeless and also the sober home drop outs that are being dumped on our streets. It's these sober homes that are the root of our problems.
Homelessness is a national issue and you want to call in the governor?
ReplyDeleteOf course there is no mention of the word "curfew" or "homeless" in the Ordinance. Do you really think Lake Worth wants a civil rights lawsuit filed against them?
Not sure that the "truly homeless" whatever that means are being victimized by the drug addicts. Most of the homeless are addicts or mentally ill.
I think its sad that things have gotten so bad at the plaza that we have to close it at night, but at this point that type of step is truly necessary. I don't think its directed to the real homeless, the folks I see there doing drugs and drinking, fighting, etc. are young people who appear to prefer to spend their money on drugs vs. housing.
ReplyDeleteYou've hit it right on the head, these 'loiterers' who have taken up occupying the Plaza and other areas are drug seekers who scam, panhandle, and steal for their next fix. The high these people seek is their choice over working for a living, putting a roof over their head and food in their belly. I'm all for the plaza being closed from say midnight to say 6 am. I think restricting hours of operation will definitely help with the drug dealing and other criminal activities. That and more foot patrols along with that cool video camera trailer in the plaza are starting to make a difference - keep it up.
DeleteWhy is that fat woman from Lantana acting like she lives in Lake Worth again?? Why can't she stay in Lantana and mind her own business? Don't they have homeless people in Lantana that she can complain about?
ReplyDeleteOk now, no more personal attacks on weight, age, gender, etc. PLEASE!
ReplyDeleteI love how you Allow negative posts and then quickly after you have published them you say, Now please no more personal derogatory remarks about posters. Why not do the right thing and not post them to begin with Lynn?
ReplyDelete11:58--
ReplyDeleteTo answer that--IF the person had mentioned someone by name it never would have been posted.
I weigh each comment. That particular one had good points. If I could edit I would but I don't see the value of deleting that post when NO ONE was identified. Even when people have come after our elected officials with that sort of attack, their posts are not published even though my policy states "anything goes" when it comes to electeds.
People can be debated on their decisions, not their weight, etc.