HOMELESS OUTREACH PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
September 19, 2012
A meeting of the Homeless Outreach Program Advisory Committee was held on Wednesday, September 19 18, 2012 at 10:00 am at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Sgt. Harry Rocheville of the Salem Police Department, Shelly McPherson of Lifebridge and Jane Guy of the City of Salem Department of Planning and Community Development. Also present were Sara Mourno and Bob Broderick, residents of 28 Federal Street. Rinus Oosthoek arrived later in the meeting.
Mr. Broderick stated that they have been noticing increased activity at Rust Way. He stated that the area is very dark, particularly where the city tree covers the light over benches, where homeless individuals appear to be gathering.
Ms. Maurno stated that there were recently upwards of seventy empty nip bottles left behind from people drinking there. They are also concerned with people who have been sleeping there, in and around the basement wells of their building.
Sgt. Rocheville stated that a similar situation was occurring at Lafayette Park and they had some of the trees cut back, but noted that some of the condo owners may complain about the increase lighting shining into their units. He noted that regular patrols may not be aware of Rust Way.
Ms. Maurno stated that there have been incidences of individuals threatening the residences and that this was reported to Officer Priddy. Persons with signs stating that they are homeless, who are soliciting money, threaten persons that they see picking up their cell phone, assuming they are calling the police to complain. One resident with his two children were threatened, which was reported last week and since then two more incidents of threats have occurred.
Sgt. Rocheville stated that he contacted the DPW and will meet with them on site to look at the area and have the trees cut back. He stated that Journeys of Hope, which assists homeless teens, just moved in nearby and he wondered if some of the persons gathering there are clients. He stated that he will speak with Felix Colon from Journeys of Hope.
Ms. Maurno stated that a no trespass sign was just put up on their property.
Mr. Oosthoek joined the meeting at this time.
Sgt. Rocheville stated that the police’s hands are tied when it comes to panhandling due to recent court decisions. However, they have a zero tolerance policy for other issues, such as trespassing. He noted that when judges see a trespass complaints, they are more willing to lock someone up for 30 days. He stated that he will also talk to National Grid about improving the lighting in the area. He added that Salem has never really had a problem with homeless people making threats and wondered if it might be a new group of individuals.
Ms. Guy stated that Jason Silva of the Mayor’s Office reported that he has received more complaints of panhandling in the last two months.
Ms. McPherson stated that Lifebridge is interviewing for the open Outreach Worker position this week, which they are hoping to have someone hired before the October season.
Sgt. Rocheville stated that he is already seeing an influx of new homeless individuals due to Haunted Happenings.
Mr. Broderick asked about loitering.
Sgt. Rocheville stated that there is an ordinance that covers the entire city and that the police can tell individuals to move along. He stated that they could try putting up signs. He noted that they have no right of arrest but that they can be fined.
Mr. Broderick stated that one bench is the major problem.
Ms. Guy suggested that the bench be removed.
Sgt. Rocheville was in agreement.
Mr. Oosthoek asked if anything can be done with persons who panhandle aggressively.
Sgt. Rocheville stated that it really would have to amount to being a disorderly person in order to lead to an arrest. He stated that he is meeting with Judge Brennan on Monday to try to come up with a plan to deal with these issues and that there may be some alternative deterrent.
Mr. Oosthoeck stated that the Chamber of Commerce is having is October 11th Coffee Connection with Lifebridge on Canal Street.
The next meeting will be April 17, 2013.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane A. Guy
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