Homelessness has become a much-discussed topic in Lansdale, building on discussions held at the county level after flooding in 2021 damaged housing near Norristown and then the closure of the county’s only homeless shelter in 2022. Lansdale officials began discussions with the county in the summer of 2023, and borough police have kept council updated on how they are helping people who are found sleeping in local parks – including at Stony Creek and in the gazebo at Memorial Park. Lansdale police have partnered with a mental health co-responder when responding to problems not typically addressed by police. Police Chief Mike Trail also reported to council on the late June Supreme Court decision in the case of Grant’s Pass vs Oregon, with the court ruling that a municipality can ban people from sleeping or camping in public areas, such as sidewalks and parks. County advocates for the homeless say the ruling puts the vulnerable at more risk. Residents that use the parks and nearby neighbors echoed the statement from Trail, “It’s still a sensitive issue, with respect to individuals who are unhoused, and dignity, and how do we go about achieving public safety concerns, while also mitigating any undue harm to those folks who are adversely affected by being unhoused.” Council President Mary Fuller added thanks for the comments and concerns from the residents, and urged anyone interested in learning more to attend the monthly council public safety committee meeting. Lansdale’s borough council next meets at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 7, and the public safety committee next meets at 6:30 p.m. that night, both at the borough municipal building, 1 Vine Street.
Source: The Reporter; 7/24/2024