1 /5 Alexander Hahn: One of the routes I walk my dog through. The homeless situation goes through waves of "annoying but tolerable", to pretty bad, to "have to report being accosted by a homeless guy to the police" today. I like the park itself, its landscaping, plants, the Womens Club, nice lawn with well kept grass, and gazebo. But when a homeless guy doesnt let you walk through it, blocking your path, and tries to grab your toy poodle... its basically game over for it actually being a public park for the full public to enjoy/ use. Do not come here unless you have info that the homeless situation has been taken care of. Im not sure we should always do hand outs in the same location every time (a volunteer group hands out food and supplies and stuff at the corner of this park every week). While Im generally for that/ outreach/ volunteer I think it encourages people to set up shop in the area and once you get to a critical mass its not really appropriate to keep encouraging it further. Most homeless people are fine, not great that they sleep around in public areas, but hey at least not stirring up trouble. However, once when you do hand outs long enough the people who actually need some serious help start showing up and accrue, and while they can certainly grab some food and supplies too I think its not really fair to everyone else when its basically just becoming a complete homeless encampment. Its unfortunate but I think its currently at that level. Ive noticed more and more homeless people gathering there. Rate of being asked for money has increased, not great but was still fine to walk through, homeless people gunning it for your dog, you pick it up, then they decide theyre not going to let you pass... cmon. Its simply not a public park at that point and something should be done.
