Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert issued a memo to Lansdale police officers “to begin a process of managing the unhoused in the parks, related to the sunup and sundown laws.” Borough officials have discussed homelessness within the borough for several years, with residents raising concerns over encampments in multiple borough parks and people sleeping in the gazebo at Memorial Park. At the same time, Lansdale Borough has partnered with a mental health co-responder that helps police respond to those dealing with mental challenges, has allowed the use of a borough parks and recreation building as an overnight shelter for women during winter Code Blue nights, and worked with Montgomery County to finalize plans for a short-term housing facility that is slated to open in the fall. Resident complaints about encampments increased in early June, and the police and the mayor announced a new round of talks on the problem. Herbert’s memo to police directs officers to “lead with compassion” while working to remove those who live in the parks after a 30-day grace period. Herbert cites the need to protect the safety of residents and borough property, while working with those residents on how to find solutions. Council President Mary Fuller said that suggestions from residents are welcome.
Source: The Reporter; 6/28/2025