OCEAN CITY — It’s no secret there is a growing homelessness issue in Ocean City, but figuring out how to address it continues to be challenging.
The town’s police commission has discussed the homelessness issue in the downtown area in the past and is scheduled to take it up again in a meeting next week. With increasing frequency, homeless individuals have been taking up residence on the benches, parks and bus stops around the downtown area, and while some attract little notice, others are creating problems and generating complaints from residents and visitors, particularly around the Boardwalk area.
From public drinking and drug use to arrests for fighting and other unsavory behavior, homelessness continues to create challenges for a resort striving to protect its family image. It’s certainly not a problem unique to Ocean City, but it has grown more acute recently.
Heretofore, the town has responded with proactive law enforcement and a holistic approach aimed at getting the homeless individuals the resources they need. However, on the cusp of another summer season, more needs to be done, according to downtown resident Scott Chismar, who broached the topic during Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting.
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They did arrest one of the "guests" this past weekend. He and another were passing a smoke back in forth behind the Transit Station. That was followed by cutting some aluminum foil up and placing something on it that I assume were sniffing. I'm not any expert on illegal drugs but I saw enough to know something was going on. Some of these people here have been around for at least 5 years.
ReplyDeleteThe Town buses are now equipped with cameras both in and out. At the South Division st Station, the homeless are continuously being recorded by the bus cameras while they go about their antics so obtaining evidence on these people breaking laws isn't a big deal. What's irritating is that people are given tickets that come with stiff fines for sleeping in a car directly across the street while the literally stretch out on the ground the Station when the benches get full. I don't understand why the Town doesn't simply remove all the benches. After all, there's no room for visitors anymore.
I long for the good old days, when OCPD would stuff them in the trunk of a patrol car and dump them over the state line in Fenwick!
ReplyDeleteBetter idea, throw a couple of the crooked Council in first. Start with your new Delegate Hartman
DeleteClearly, you know what Hartman is made off, S***
Delete10:41 YES!!! This is what we need to be doing again.
ReplyDeleteThe answer is very simple. Stop enabling them. These do gooders who feed them are the problem. They do it so they get a pat on the back. Makes them feel all warm and fuzzy and they incorrectly believe they are building their own stairway to Heaven when the opposite is what is true. The Bible clearly says you do not work you do not eat. What's unfortunate is most churches are fake so only pick what parts of the Bible they like to follow. They prefer to enable and go against what the Bible says so they can get recognition.
ReplyDeleteJust enforce "no loitering" laws !!!
ReplyDeleteWhat 2;09. They stopped smoking outside because they couldnt enforce litter laws. I dont go near that cesspool
ReplyDeleteIf you don’t go there then no one cares what you say. You don’t go there? Then shut up!
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