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Posted on Thu, May 24, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.

Crowd supports Camp Take Notice as neighbors of Ann Arbor tent city circulate petition for eviction

By Pete Cunningham

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Previous story: Homeless tent city residents near Ann Arbor will rally Thursday on Wagner Road

Florescent signs hung from wires affixed across Wagner Road between Jackson and Dexter-Ann Arbor roads Thursday afternoon as residents and supporters of the homeless encampment known as Camp Take Notice held hands behind the guardrail.

“We Work Together”...“Our Camp is Safe” read the signs.

As commuters drove past, some honked in support, others gawked while some seemed not to even notice the 80 or so people lining the road. The message the residents and supporters of the tent city were trying to get across was simple.

They want Camp Take Notice to stay put - even as some neighbors are circulating a petition asking that the camp be moved.

“We believe everyone has a right to a place to live,” said Beth Scriven, a priest from St. Clare’s of Assisi Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor, while standing by the road. “We’re out here to show that our community supports this camp and that it is safe.”

The tent city is officially located in Scio Township, between Jackson and Dexter-Ann Arbor roads off of Wagner near M-14.

Unofficially, it’s off the grid.

To get to the dozens of tents that sit hidden in the woods a guardrail must be hurdled followed by a long walk down a straw covered path residents affectionately call the “Yellow Brick Road.”

The Emerald City doesn’t wait at the end of the path, but to the residents who live there, it feels like it.

Nineteen churches as well as individual donors help feed the residents of Camp Take Notice and try to help them get on their feet, which more times than not is easier said than done.

“My problem is, I’ve got a criminal record,” said Anthony Ramirez, 35, who has lived at Camp Take Notice for six months. “Not too many people want to hire someone with a record, so it’s tough.”

Ramirez said he’s been to shelters such as downtown Ann Arbor’s Delonis Center, but said that a sense of community at Camp Take Notice doesn’t exist elsewhere.

Brian Durrance, who is on the board of directors for Michigan Itinerant Shelter System-Interdependent Out of Necessity (MISSION) a non-profit organization that helps support the tent city, calls the community “a unique form of group therapy.”

But that therapy is currently taking place on Michigan Department of Transportation land, making it difficult for Camp Take Notice to operate in any sort of official capacity.

"It's not as simple as purchasing the land and getting a license," Durrance said. "It's much more complicated than that."

MDOT could force the residents to move out at any time.

“MDOT is not in the process of evicting, but we are working with (the Michigan State Housing Authority Development) to try and help provide alternatives,” said MDOT director of communications Jeff Cranson.

Alanna Gehringer, 23, has been at the camp for six months and like many of the people at Thursday’s rally, wants Camp Take Notice to be an official tenant of the forgotten parcel.

Cranson said he’s sympathetic to the residents’ plight, but that’s not going to happen. Cranson said that Camp Take Notice - which has existed at its current location for two years will eventually have to move on.

“Poverty is the problem,” said Julie Steiner, executive director of the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, who was at Thursday’s rally.

“There just aren’t enough resources and this camp serves a valuable purpose.”

NEIGHBORLY CONCERN

Not everyone is satisfied with the status quo at Camp Take Notice. Durrance said 65 people currently live there, but Scio Township resident Joe DaSilva Jr. said it was reported at the Scio Township meeting that 78 reside there.

DaSilva, Jr. is circulating a petition to try to expedite the tent city being moved and said he’s gathered 114 signatures in one week. He said signees include residents and nearby businesses such as Radio Shack, Kroger, the Clarion Hotel.

“This is our backyard. We live there,” said DaSailva.

DaSilva’s wife, Marissa, said they have lived with their nine-year old son within walking distance of the camp since 2003. She said she fears for the safety of the campers and the people in the surrounding neighborhoods.

“I have sympathy for people who struggle. Our intention is not to make it harder, it’s the specific location. It’s not a location that’s meant for that,” DaSilva said, pointing out there is no running water and that people have to climb over a guardrail to get there.

“It’s not safe,” she said.

Marissa DaSilva said flyers were circulated when Camp Take Notice originally moved there, saying it would be a temporary thing. She said she's concerned with the community's growth and seeming permanence.

The transient nature of the camp’s population is also a concern of residents. Another Scio Township resident, who asked not be identified for fear of repercussions, said a main concern of his was that registered sex offenders could be staying there and residents in the surrounding area would have no way of knowing.

“MDOT isn’t taking tally, there could easily be sex offenders living there,” said the man, who said he has contacted MDOT on the issue.

The concern can’t be dismissed as paranoia. University of Michigan lecturer Anthony Collings recently filmed a short documentary at Camp Take Notice and one of the stories told is that of Destiney Brown, of Battle Creek, who in the documentary is shown living at the camp with her boyfriend, Michael Leins.

Leins is a registered sex offender and during the documentary’s filming was arrested for failing to comply with reporting duties. He is now incarcerated.

“My concern is that people are choosing to live (on government property) that don’t qualify for staying at a legitimate facility because of criminal history,” the unidentified resident said.

Durrance said the self-governing community evict anyone who breaks the law while on grounds and notifies proper authorities when it happens, but said initial background checks are not performed.

Durrance said people at Camp Take Notice have a “clean slate” when they arrive and 75 people have been evicted for various violations.

Durrance hopes that if Camp Take Notice is provided an alternative if forced to move.

“We feel that we’re serving the community and we’d like to do that in a legitimate capacity, but we know that (MDOT) is very restricted in what they can offer,” he said.

Contact Pete Cunningham at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.

Comments

SicknTired

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 9:55 p.m.

As a Scio Township resident who lives very close to the camp, I'd like to address some of the comments I've read: First, I and my neighbors are not "heartless;" we have tolerated the camp for over two years in an effort to be supportive and compassionate. We were originally told it would be vacated in the Spring of 2010. It has only grown and become more of a problem to the area, the surrounding neighborhoods and the businesses nearby. We have witnessed sexual acts, public urination and endured countless loud alcohol/drug-fueled arguments/fights late at night. We have even found human feces in the road near our homes left in plain sight. The tremendous increase in traffic due to the camp has left the surrounding roads unsafe and the dirt road, Elizabeth (which runs off Wagner and is parallel and adjacent to the camp) and, the ends of our 'private' driveways a pitted mess. There are fewer than twenty homes on Elizabeth, yet I would estimate that over 300 cars a day venture down our dead-end street on their way to visit, pick up, drop off or donate to Camp Take Notice; this includes countless taxi-cabs, and food delivery to the camp. There is a home on our street which cannot be sold until the septic system is upgraded. The Health Department recently required me to pay an extra $3000.00 for a special well because I am 'near' although not 'in' the infamous Gelman Plume. Yet sanitation and water supply to the camp which (if estimates can be believed) houses between 65 and 125 residents at any one time requires no permits or adherence to codes of any kind. I understand hardship. I was a single parent and struggled all my childrens' young years to put a roof over their heads and food on the table, working multiple part-time minimum wage jobs and going years of fitfully sleepness nights without medical coverage for myself or them. I don't know whether the residents of CTN want to work or not. I will say the camp is not safe or healthy for them or us.

RESIDENT

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.

Well if anyone wants to sign Mr. DaSilva PETITION its easy go to www.ipetitions.com/ when you get there go to SEARCH BOX and put in ( remove camp take notice) from there its easy looks like there is two petitions there just choose the one that says REMOVE CAMP TAKE NOTICE. Good job MR. DaSilva keep up the good work

Gargoyle

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 4:22 p.m.

In the good old days vagrants used to get a free ride in the back of the police car to the city limits and pointed in the direction the leads out of town. Now, they get to camp for free for as long as they want and lower the area property values. Only in A2.

Basic Bob

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.

Surprise, they are just over the city line.

SonnyDog09

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.

We are an inconsistent bunch in the People's Democratic Republic of Ann Arbor. On the one hand we have lots and lots of rules and regulations that must be followed. Stop for pedestrians who you think may be wanting to cross the road. You have to tear down that fence; it's not been approved. No dogs allowed. No smoking...outside, either. And, on the other hand, we allow squatters to take over public property and act as if they are in a free-zone. Where are their permits?

RESIDENT

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.

If you support Mr. DaSilva and the local residents of Scio Township sign his petition. I heard he should have one on-line soon.

alex

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 7:09 a.m.

""MDOT isn't taking tally, there could easily be sex offenders living there," said the man, who said he has contacted MDOT on the issue." There could be a sex offender living next door to you... just because these people are homeless doesn't mean they're bad people.

Joe_Citizen

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 5:10 a.m.

Well the residents have a point there. I say the problem is they r just going to go and haunt someone else's backyard either way. So what do you do? I know I don't want them living in my backyard, and no one else wants them either. But if they are going to stay there it should be addressed, and then sex offenders can register this address. The last time I heard of the sex offenders list, some 9 year old kid was placed on the sex offenders list for passing gas while sitting on some other kids head. That is going way, way too far. So I would find out exactly what the crime was they were placed on it for. As far as that goes, I don't care where they are at, they still need to register even if it is off some path in the middle of the woods, as 80 passes till you get to the next path and 13th tent on the left, or what ever.

alex

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 7:10 a.m.

haunt? what are they, ghosts?

BeastofEngland

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 1:37 a.m.

If you support Camp Take Notice sign their petition...http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ctn/

Roadman

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 1:15 a.m.

What about when the County of Washtenaw sued homeless veteran Dwayne Dye for defamation for criticizing the Sheriff's Department? The county retained the private law firm of Reach and Reach and has its case pending before Judge Melinda Morris. Dye later filed his own lawsuit in federal court in Detroit for civil rights violations. One can only guess at the actual cost of legal fees the county expended on its battles with Dye. Someone needs to submit a FOIA request to see how much was spent and who authorized this nonsense. Does the county have anything better to do with taxpayers' funds?

buffalobob

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:45 p.m.

No sympathy for protestors. What are the three best cities in Michigan to live in ? Ann Arbor, maybe Grand Rapids and Royal Oak. If you can't get a job, please don't expect that you can live in one of these three cities. Accept that you must move to Inkster, Monroe, or Howell. America does not guarantee that you can live anywhere you want - I'd rather be in Fort Lauderdale but Ann Arbor is all I can afford, and I have a good job.

JRW

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.

This camp needs to be dismantled due to all the reasons listed by other posters (safety, sanitation, disease, crime, etc). No one gets a free ride in today's society. A2 built a great homeless shelter and these folks need to stay there. Camping for free for two years on government property is illegal. End of story. Not a safe situation for the homeless or for nearby residents. If churches want to step in and take over this group of 75+ people and provide shelter and food, then fine. But these homeless campers cannot be left on their own to set up a tent city on unsupervised government property without running water and basic sanitation and security. Taxpayers contributed to the homeless problem by building the shelter, and these people need to use it.

Pappa

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 6:54 p.m.

CTN should host a "Camp with Us" night to gain community support. I'm not sure why so many people complain about the sanitary issues. CTN has already stated that they pack in and out all their food and waste. They also clean up trash along the highway. Think about all the pet poop that enters the water system everyday. Also think about all the people who spray poison around their houses, water, and fertilize their lawns everyday. Compared to that, I don't think CTN is making any sort of impact on the environment.

Lou1719

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 6:35 p.m.

I have sympathy for those that are really in a tough spot and this is the only place they have to go. But there are people there by choice. One of the people listed in the article choose to leave her home and child to live there...as crazy as that may seem. And it may be difficult to find a job b/c you have a criminal record, but the drug habit you have is probably the real issue to why you can't find and/or keep a job. No to put anyone on blast, but in my opinion you shouldn't draw attention to yourself if you are not sharing the whole truth about your situation.

cibachrome

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.

A City that can spend a lot of money on 'art' ought to be able to help provide for the decent care and wellbeing of a few down-on-their-luck souls. Sure, make them register, put a time limit on their stay, and inspect the grounds. But, come on, one of the causes of this situation are the frivolous expenditures being made by one elite group at the expense of another. The result is a magnet drawing folks from all over who have been lead to believe there is a lot of excess money in the area. One group walks the talk, the other only talks and gets to go home to a sheltered environment. Do we have a name yet for the first birth associated with camp life?

lumberg48108

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 4:48 p.m.

With out taking sides on the issue (I don't live there and I am not affected) I will comment on the headline and story. Is this supposed to be a neutral, objective article and headline? It takes the de facto position that "Crowd supporters" are somehow "right" or have more stake in the game than the neighbors that are directly impacted! Any person with a horn in a car passing by is not "support" enough to measure a cause. The homeowners in the neighborhood, the ones circulating a petition, actually have made a significant statement (right or wrong) and they are somehow relegated to second status by annarbor.com. The fact that M-DOT is working to relocate them tells an objective reader that have no right to be there. Sentiment one one side and real people seeking to make changes on the other and annarbor.com chooses to side with "sentiment." Its hard to read this site when the reporter has already taken a "side" in the story and not simply reporting objective facts. Ironically, this is the same site that acts as an official "recall Snyder" page for those seeking petitions to oust the governor. I guess it depends on what "side" your petition is on if you are going to get preferential coverage from this news site.

Hot Sam

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 4:41 p.m.

A good follow up to this story would be some recent statistics about the Delonis center... What is the occupancy rate? What are the additional programs available when full? An update as to what is asked of residents...it seems many don't know this.. These questions would be a start...I'm sure there could be many more...

Hot Sam

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.

Just an old sound guy Ron :-)

jb bowersock

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 4:19 p.m.

It is like a campground for the homeless has been opened right there on the freeway. All reports show this camp is well managed by the residents, but it seems to be just a mater of time before something goes wrong with all the publicity and likely more people going there than to a homeless shelter.

Goober

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 4 p.m.

Imagine trying to sell your house and having to tell future buyers that there is a homeless camp nearby.

bruno_uno

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.

Phone Call to MDOT: Can I find out the sex offenders living in your Camp Take Notice? MDOT: Ughh, we dont know Phone Call to MDOT: Well we have a child we want to enroll at the daycare around the block, can we find out if any live on your property? MDOT: Ughh, no, we cant determine that out at this time, we have no background checks for people living there. Phone Call to MDOT: Thank you, my kid wont be going to that daycare. MDOT: Have a good day.

4 Fingers

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 3:56 p.m.

Love it. What's the number to MDOT?

bruno_uno

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 3:44 p.m.

sex offenders? day care? sounds like a lawsuit ready to happen

Madeleine Borthwick

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.

I am disheartened by all the negative comments I am seeing, "NIMBY" is alive and well I'm sorry to say! how can people be so heartless?! as for that insensitive remark about what would Jesus do.....since he himself was homeless(read your bible), I seriously doubt that he'd "kick their butts out." sorry, the retraction came a litle too late on this one.

Brad

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 6:43 p.m.

@Madeline - please post a link to the photos of people camped in YOUR back yard. What? There aren't any?? Then you might want to consider not using that "NIMBY" comment again.

Breanne

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.

Actually Jesus wasn't homeless. He worked as a carpenter until His calling came upon Him and he became a full-time minister and he stayed in people's homes when He moved from one place to another because "God provided for Him." Perhaps He would let the people stay in tent city, but how are we to know what God Himself would do? I do recall an event in the Bible where Jesus approaches a man laying by a pool of water for 38 years that allows him to be healed if only he is the one to get in first. Jesus asks him, do you want to get well? And only when the man realizes he has to take some part in himself getting the healing does he actually get up after 38 years and gets the healing. Please don't bring in what God would do or how He would react. Be an example for yourself. Also, I'd like to note ever since I was old enough to legally work I've been working because my famly didn't have a lot of money. I'm the youngest of 7 with the first ever college degree in my family, all of this from a childhood of sexual abuse and an alcoholic father. He is still an alcoholic and living on government assistance but I have seen, firsthand, what it's like to live under a mentality where you feel you have nowhere to turn. Although I feel sorry for him, I will not enable him and have seen him use others to do things that he never learned to do on his own. Although I sympathize for those that have nowhere else to live, for the moment, I cannot make someone do something that doesn't want to be helped.

A2ron

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:35 p.m.

From a person near Tent City who before this rally/article didn't love the camp but didn't think much could be done, thanks. I am now kind of upset and worked up about this and realize there are more people who feel the same. Hopefully MDot/local government sees the feedback from local residents and takes care of this. Thanks CTN for promoting awareness of how annoyed a lot of residents are.

a2why

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.

Ann Arbor buys a bunch of greenspace land surrounding the city. Why can't we put the camp in that land?

Alan Schuply

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2 p.m.

as a fellow resident i have a certain empathy for these folks as they have to walk down a third world dirt path to get to a living area. on the other hand, i am legally obligated to pay first world property, payroll, income, sales, excise, etc, taxes. and yet I still have to drive down a third world dirt road to get to my living area. it does lead me to wonder, which laws don't i really, really have to follow after all? i.e. why bother pulling a building permit for an improvement to my living area. I'm guessing the good folks at the camp haven't been obliged to.

CT

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:40 p.m.

Section 8, food stamps, WIC, welfare, disability, educational grants, earned income credit, food pantries, shelters and charity are all ways in which tax payers and kind-hearted individuals are ALREADY trying to help those less fortunate. Those programs are supposed to prevent this exact situation: people living in tents on public land in unsanitary conditions. How is it heartless to pay taxes and donate to all these programs and then expect people to use them if they are in need? The camp is putting its neighbors and their children at risk for disease. I call that heartless. I have lived in poverty. I have survived on $7.00 per hour. It is very difficult. But overcoming that situation is not impossible. A better job and a few raises later and now I am doing much better. In fact, I can now help others who need it. I have a box full of canned goods in my home right now that I am going to take to a struggling family.

Allison Camara

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 6:08 p.m.

Elijah, a bank account is free to open in most banks you just need a dollar, yes you do need to have ID to get the bank account but why wouldn't you have some form of ID on you. Also to get government help you DO NOT need a bank account you can get more help if you do not have any assets, if you do have money they make you spend all of that first, trust me I have said no to getting help because I do not want to empty out what little of a 401k I do have. Also there are food banks and other places to get food all over the place they can find out where to get help by going to a library, those are free to the public ;) there's no harm in helping please help all you want I would like to help them, but I would rather go to a food bank and hand them a box of food then go to the camp and hand them a box of food. By the way I am a Democrat and I love helping and I love making my community a better place and I am all for everyone finding jobs and I do love everyone, until you give me a reason not to.

aanative

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.

Absolutely, CT! I was also impoverished and under-employed for years and nevertheless MANAGED. I did so without any gov't assistance and without begging from others, all the while struggling with health issues. It was never easy and I don't wish those circumstances on others, but I do expect others to take responsibility for themselves.

a2roots

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.

@ES...are you saying that it is to tough to get access to all the government and other public service programs that are available? That would be laughable if it were true. So sure, it is better that we taxpayers just pay more so those with absolutely no accountability can live off our largesse.

Elijah Shalis

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.

You realize to get government support, you need a bank account, an ID, a birth certificate, and an address.

CT

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.

Thanks!

Michigan Man

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.

CT - Nice update. Best to you and continued success! Love it when I hear honest stories of folks finding opportunity, jumping through the window of hope and then start doing better. As you know, no guarantees in life - but effort, hard work, a little luck, never giving up, etc. really do go a long way toward prosperity and even more important, feeling good about yourself. Keep it up!

Mick52

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.

"The tent city is officially located in Scio Township, between Dexter and Ann Arbor Roads off of Wagner near M-14. " Between Dexter and Ann Arbor Roads, where exactly is that? And is "officially" a good term to use for its location?

Mick52

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.

Didn't mean to step on your toes Perry. I was writing just as you posted.

Perry White

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.

The lead make this sound like it's located somewhere far west of Ann Arbor, perhaps near Grass Lake: "Florescent signs hung from wires affixed across Wagner Road between Jackson and Dexter Thursday afternoon. ..." The insertion of the word "Roads" after "Dexter" would clarify this. Later, you write: "The tent city is officially located in Scio Township, between Dexter and Ann Arbor Roads off of Wagner near M-14." There is no "Ann Arbor Road" there. It's Dexter-Ann Arbor Road. While you're correcting the name of the road, you could tighten up the whole sentence by getting rid of "officially located." They are superfluous words. "Is" gets the job done just fine. I suggest, "The tent city is in Scio Township off Wagner Road near M-14, between Dexter- Ann Arbor and Jackson Roads."

Billy Bob Schwartz

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 7:37 p.m.

Perry...Take a look at what Lois and Clark wrote, and tighten that up. If people can't figure out that AA folks would be unlikely to be concerned about a tent city near Grass Lake, they are beyond hopeless.

Pete Cunningham

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.

Thank you for pointing this out. The correction has been made to the story.

81wolverine

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:08 p.m.

I agree with Chelsea Bob that this location is not appropriate for any kind of temporary camp and both Scio and MDOT need to evict them from the property. The fact that this has gone on two years is very bad. An alternative site needs to be found ASAP.

Billy Bob Schwartz

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 7:35 p.m.

NIMBY this thing, and do it now!! LOL.

G-Man

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.

With all the Trillions of dollars that President Obama has rung up, couldn't he find a few to throw in?

a2roots

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:56 p.m.

@kat...Re-read what Al wrote. Ypsilanti was only an example where certain structures are. But you know what, not a bad idea to send them to Ypsilanti. Cheaper than bus fare out of state.

YpsiVeteran

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 3:13 a.m.

Kat's right. The elitist attitude of that comment from "Al" is hard to miss. Like Ann Arbor doesn't have any vacant buildings? Ann Arbor is full of vacant buildings and storefronts. Why mention Ypsi specifically? I second the "Buzz off." Get your nose out of the air and smell your own backyard.

Ypsiiii

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.

Nice comment a2roots.........

kat

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:59 p.m.

Why would you want to suggest a specific town ? Sounds alot like social discrimination. Buzz off.

kat

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.

thanks Al.... sure, sure, send them to YPSI. Unfortunately that has been the mind-set from elite Ann Arborites for decades. I don't think that solves anything.

Kronoberger

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:45 p.m.

The current minimum wage in Michigan is $7.40 and for wait staff earning tips $2.65. Moreover businesses do not hire workers full time offering them only 20 to 30 hours a week in order to avoid paying benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the disabled is $698 per month. It is quite challenging to live on such meager amounts especially if you are a single person with no relatives to take you in or provide supplemental support. If you are unable to find work and have no disability income your situation is even more desperate and you are forced to pick up cans or bottles and/or panhandle. In either case you are subject to harassment by the police and humiliation by the housed and washed who refuse to look you in the eye and pretend that you just aren't there. As for shelters they are not open 24/7. Blessed are those that have a car to sleep in. The US ranks 4th in income disparity after Mexico, Turkey, and Portugal and as the rich get richer and the middle class shrinks it seems especially cruel to make poverty a crime but hey this is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Whats next - a constitutional amendment to reinstate of vagrancy laws?

Skyjockey43

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 12:38 p.m.

So instead of making SOME money to take care of themselves, you advocate that they take no job and take no responsibility for their own lives. You know, I seem to remember being able to support myself with a minimum wage job in my youth. I must be some sort of weird anomaly in your world huh? Additionally, if you take the wages earned by most junior enlisted personnel currently serving in the military, against the number of hours spent on the job, you'll find that they're making far less than minimum wage. Then there's that whole people-trying-to-kill-you thing to go along with it. Spare me your misplaced sympathy. If this country's were so lacking in opportunity as you seem to think it is, then we'd have far more people leaving as there are swarming across our borders. Even our own President's illegal immigrant aunt isn't homeless.

gofigure

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 3:13 p.m.

re @ Kronoberger: "It is quite challenging to live on such meager amounts especially if you are a single person with no relatives to take you in or provide supplemental support." Haven't you ever heard of room mates? They're already bunking together at the Camp. 3 or 4 of them could get an apartment. And, it doesn't have to be in A2. Buses go all over the place. As for having a car to sleep in. Who pays for the ins, plates, gas, upkeep on the car?

Elijah Shalis

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:41 p.m.

Well I guess we know who the Conservatives are going to hate after they stop hating gay people like me, The Homeless.

Irislover

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 1:01 a.m.

I don't think it's just conservatives, but judging by the comments I read on annarbor.com I think dogs are the most hated group around.

aanative

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 4:23 p.m.

Elijah - way to diverge completely off topic, and make vast assumptions about conservatives and hatred!

Madeleine Borthwick

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:39 p.m.

amen, brother but I fear that homophobia won't go away anytime soon. incidentally, please know that not all people hate gays and that, while I myself am straight, I support your cause 110%. sign me, straight but NOT narrow, Madeleine borthwick

Michigan Man

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:16 p.m.

ES - No one cares if you are gay. Please keep your sexual orientation preference to yourself. The general reading public could care less. Your sexual orientation has no meaning whatsoeve to this exchange of information relative to the homeless of Ann Arbor.

a2roots

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.

The always me attitude. Do not assume a conservative approach equates to hating on gays. You would be totally wrong. Your prejudice seems to be deep rooted against anyone that does not conform to your viewpoint.

Chase Ingersoll

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:41 p.m.

The result of this coverage is the two sides beating up on each other. You can solve the shelter issues here with existing technology, like the pod hotels in Japan and shipping containers being recycled into housing units that are being shipped everywhere in the world. These units contain electric or composting toilets, LED lighting, so they are extremely efficient and could bring the cost per housing unit, both in terms of construction, location and annual operating costs. If the cost is dramatically reduced, can be put up in a matter of days, can be disassembled, relocated and units placed in a manner that enables efficient management and fosters interaction between people in the units, I think you better enable human service management of the population in the units. The low cost and availability of units, would allow for birds of a feather to flock together as some units could be proximate to a more urban environment (old industrial site) vs. others that could be in the woods outside of town. Regardless, they would all have power, clean water and built in communication systems. Cost per unit: $4,00.00 per sleeping pod; $15,000.00 per unit (2 per 20 ft container) http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/9/view/8111/9-h-nine-hours-capsule-hotel-in-kyoto.html http://gliving.com/ecopod-the-vacation-home-you-have-delivered/

rusty shackelford

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:17 p.m.

True, but such units still have to go somewhere. The dispute in this case seems to be based largely on location. Of course, people who have to live in tents and or/shipping containers don't have enough money to buy real estate on which to place them.

a2roots

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:31 p.m.

My first thought on this is that my tax dollars should be spent on bus tickets. Why is it always someone else's fault for the situation someone is in? Where has the accountability gone? There are plenty of resources out there and more so here than in most places. I know the slams by all our bleeding hearts in the community will now start. Too bad. To not be totally heartless I would suggest some thought be given to Al Feldt's suggestion. Al is a respected scholar and author known well throughout urban planning circles. However at some point people need to be held accountable and the taxpayer given a break from having to support every sole that finds a reason to be a load on society. If we the taxpayer shoulder the cost, then put them to work cleaning up our highways, parks, downtown alleys and whatever else needs to be done to earn their housing. The free ride needs to stop.

Unusual Suspect

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.

It's easy to grin when your ship comes in And you've got the stock market beat But the man worthwhile is the man who can smile When his shorts are too tight in the seat

Kronoberger

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:50 p.m.

It is an easy thing to triumph in the summer's sun, And in the vintage, and to sing on the waggon loaded with corn: It is an easy thing to talk of patience to the afflicted, To speak the laws of prudence to the houseless wanderer, To listen to the hungry raven's cry in wintry season, When the red blood is fill'd with wine and with the marrow of lambs:

a2roots

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:47 p.m.

@es...JC has nothing to do with it. What is it if it isn't a free ride? They pay no taxes yet reap benefits bestowed upon them by taxpayers. Be accountable.

Gary

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:59 a.m.

If anyone at the rally that doesn't live by CTN they shouldn't have a say in this. It might make you feel as if you are helping the cause but your not. Help those people find jobs and safe places to live. It sounds like the center downtown isn't doing their job with helping these people. Has anyone even noticed that their is a daycare right by CTN. I wonddering how people would feel if CTN was by Gretchens House? If Ann Arbor really cared about the hoemless we have made a part of the new West Park construction into a area for them.

Ann English

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 12:21 a.m.

I've sometimes looked for a footpath leading to Camp Take Notice as I drive on Wagner Road, but haven't noticed any so far. I do know where Gretchen's House is, on Dexter east of Wagner. Yes, we're seeing more small children outdoors now that it's warmer, and NOT, of course, just around daycare centers.

Billy Bob Schwartz

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.

Read the FIrst Amendment. Guess what...we ALL get to have a say about ANYTHING. I love America!!

Al Feldt

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:54 a.m.

Tough situation with legitimate concerns on both sides! But no one has suggested a workable solution. Certainly we have taken notice! Why can't all of those concerned plus the township, the city of Ann Arbor, the county, and the state agree on some workable alternative. Find a large structure not currently in use and making it available together with a variety of helping and training programs for its residents and encourage the camp to move there? There are probably a half dozen or more in the area. Possibly their use could be donated or a temporary lease or even a purchase might be possible. Ypsilanti is currnetly tearing down some "hopeless" buildings which could be used. Almost nything would be an improvement providing water and sewage and better access to transportation and perhaps some room for outdoor activities. Leave its management to the residents subject to a few reasonable guidelines and limits. Several California cities have tried some ething like this with mixed results but it seems better than what both we (all of us) and the homeless have now.

YpsiVeteran

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 3:07 a.m.

Sorry Al, but exactly how did Ypsilanti get dragged into this? Ann Arbor and Scio Township have plenty of vacant buildings. Let MDOT, the churches and the county's social service agencies handle this issue. Now it's not enough to make food stamps and housing assistance and job training and medical care for kids all free and available, we have to deliver it out to some field, too? What's stopping any of these people from availing themselves of the social safety net services that exist?

Greg

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:52 a.m.

Kind of funny how most of those who love the homeless do so as long as they are not in their neighborhood. Somebody elses - no problem at all.

ConcernedCitizen

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.

Seabreezecc is missing the point. There was an UNregistered sex offender living ILLEGALLY on MDOT land within a block of a pre-school and within a mile of an elementary school. Regardless of your feelings about whether the camp should remain open or not, this is an UNACCEPTABLE situation. There are reasons why sex offenders must register, and why trespassing is illegal.

Basic Bob

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.

Was it one of those prudish "sex" offenses like public urination or ripped pants? People who can afford lawyers get these charges (and worse) dropped.

Davidian

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1 p.m.

Thank you - rational, common sense comment that for whatever reason, others just don't seem to get.

Unusual Suspect

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:49 p.m.

Yeah, almost as ridiculous as sexual assault. We can't inconvenience the child rapists.

Elijah Shalis

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:39 p.m.

Every place is within a mile of a school or library lol. You see how ridiculous those laws are.

Stephen Lange Ranzini

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.

"My problem is, I've got a criminal record," said Anthony Ramirez, 35, who has lived at Camp Take Notice for six months. "Not too many people want to hire someone with a record, so it's tough." This is a real problem that needs to be solved. How about finding ways to enable people like this to work in the new hoop house based local farming movement? They could be trained while in prison so that when the get out they have a way to support themselves. Existing local non-profits such as Selma Cafe could work with the Sheriff to make this happen. University Bank already has a loan product that we created at Selma Cafe's request to leverage charitable funds loaned to make hoop house loans to full and part time farmers who want to buy a hoop house. MSU Extension pioneered this hoop house concept and concluded that over 10,000 jobs could be created if hoop house technology was fully deployed in Michigan, that there is a strong market demand for more locally grown food and that the return on investment of these under $10,000 each hoop houses is over 20% per year.

Stephen Lange Ranzini

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.

@OLDTIMER3: I have mentioned it both to the Sheriff and the leadership of Camp Take Notice. For more info on Selma Cafe, see the short video that explains what they are doing (which is very cool), here: http://annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/at-selma-cafe-from-farm-to-table-and-back-again/?cmpid=NL_DH_mainphoto

OLDTIMER3

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:44 p.m.

Has anyone ever approached the residents about this project? I have never heard of it myself.

tim

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:30 a.m.

At least at the State Park the ranger takes IDs, has showers/toilets. I'm not saying be heartless but this is not a good solution to homelessness. If something really bad happens as a result of this camp MDOT ( Michigan taxpayers) will be liable.

ChelseaBob

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:30 a.m.

This place violates hundreds of statutes and laws. When someone is murdered or raped or develops typhoid or hepatitis, MDOT is going to be hit with multi-million dollar lawsuits that they will lose. Scio Township residents shouldn't have to put up with this. I guarantee you if another landowner in the area violated zoning and health laws, they would be nailed straight away. Selective law enforcement decreases governmental credibility. The churches should band together and buy a legitimate campground with appropriate facilities. If they begin raising funds, most of the people in favor of closing this camp would donate, myself included.

Seabreezecc

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:06 a.m.

Actually, I DO live in the area, and I drive by the Camp several times each day. I do not feel unsafe and am grateful that people care enough about these individuals to help them survive. Because if you haven't been poor, you have no idea how difficult survival actually is. All of you who are griping because these people aren't paying taxes are not living in reality - How are they supposed to do that, exactly, when they don't make enough money to support even their most basic needs? If everyone worked together to identify safe and sustainable living situations for homeless individuals instead of "evicting" them it would be a win-win situation. Stop complaining and do something productive to solve the problem. And as for the registered sex offenders, go on-line and look at the registry - they are everywhere, not just where homeless people hang out!

RESIDENT

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 12:42 p.m.

When you say you DO LIVE in the area. I have to tell you 3-5 miles does not count and the other side of Town will not work. So unless your 1/2 mile to 1mile in the area I would say that might count.

Skyjockey43

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 12:24 p.m.

There is poor, and there is voluntarily unemployed. I have sympathy for the former, but absolutely none for the latter. Ann Arbor has the lowest unemployment rate in the state currently. There are help wanted signs all over town. Please someone explain to me why these people can't work?

RESIDENT

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 12:24 p.m.

Per this statement that you made (And as for the registered sex offenders, go on-line and look at the registry - they are everywhere, not just where homeless people hang out!) I would like to say that you are part right and then you are really wrong and you should think about it.. Yes you can go on-line ad look up at the registry and yes they are everywhere but last time I checked Camp Take Notice does not have and address remember there are on MDOT property and there is not address there for residents to look up to see if there are any registered sex offenders there. That is the point the residents are trying to make these homeless people can come and go anytime. We don't know who is there.

Irislover

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 12:55 a.m.

Thank you for this compassionate comment!

Woman in Ypsilanti

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 8:14 p.m.

I wish I could like this comment a thousand times. Honestly, I think it is shameful that people in the USA have no options other than to camp out on public land. I understand why the neighbors don't like it but the solution isnt to evict these people who will then have to go elsewhere. The solution is to give them a better option.

Jack

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.

The key sentence in your comment is "I drive by the camp." Which means you do not actually live in the neighborhood. It's always so easy to approve of such establishments in the neighborhood of another. I feel the only people who really should have a say are the direct neighbors. The fact that there was a convicted child molester in the camp is frightening.

rusty shackelford

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:37 a.m.

Excellent comment.

murphthesurf

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 10:02 a.m.

theres a million reasons why this camp should be closed. how is the camp dealing with the raw sewage thats being created,how about human waste,how do they clean themselves,how about diseases etc,etc. i know they have it rough but i don't think living by the highway is the answer.! what happens if someone gets injured or assaulted on this property? whose gonna get sued? m-dot u better wake up as this is your property!

SEC Fan

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 3:23 p.m.

@Cory...I think the Romans would disagree with your interpretation of who "invented" running water...

EyeHeartA2

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.

So, Cory - are you saying it's OK to toss my garbage and human waist in the street? You know, since it's only been a hundred years or so and all that. Really?

Cory

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.

Hate to tell you, but "running water" has only been invented within the last hundred years or so. So answer me, how did the human race survive for the 65 million years before that with all the raw sewage and human waste? And really? you're worried about lawsuits among/from homeless people? America, how far you have fallen...

cgerben

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 6:55 a.m.

This is one of the best written articles featured on this site in a long time. Nice job!

genetracy

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 4:14 a.m.

In today's edition of A2.com, there is an article stating Ann Arbor has the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 5%. Can someone please explain to me why these people should not have jobs and be living in standard housing? Or do they feel justified in being enabled by all of the do-gooders in Ann Arbor?

EyeHeartA2

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:52 p.m.

"Can someone please explain to me why these people should not have jobs and be living in standard housing?" I think we all know.

martini man

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 3:37 a.m.

Imagine trying to sell a home near the "camp" ??? It's a great place to live and as long as the wind is right ,you can barely smell the stench from Tent City. You'll love it here . Great place for your kids to play. Peace Love Dove etc .

martini man

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 3:27 a.m.

Like i said in my previously censored and deleted post : On a voluntary basis of course .... Relocate the tent city to the properties of the rich left wing professors and politicians, who live in their multi million dollar mansions on the outskirts of Ann Arbor. They have vast areas of grounds to accomodate the tents. They can also walk among their 'flock' and even help clean up the garbage and feces while shaking hands with the downtrodden. And think of all the money that would be saved by the taxpayers who actually work for a living . And the photo op for the mainstream media would be priceless.

genetracy

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 3:17 a.m.

1. How many of the people protesting in support of the camp actuall live in the area? 2. Prove to me any of these people are there because "they cannot help themselves". How about," they won't help themselves".

RESIDENT

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 12:39 p.m.

Genetracy good call your right I don't think they have many supporters that live in the area at all. They do have 19 churches that support them by giving them food, clothing, tents, sleeping bags and anything else they need to stay way from where they live. I heard that not one church is located in Scio Township go figure the churches are smart give them what they need and the poor homeless will stay out of there area.

Matt Cooper

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 3:08 a.m.

"This is our backyard. We live there," said DaSailva. Mr. DaSilva, this is NOT your backyard. Your backyard stops at your property line. And no, you don't live there. Matter of fact I'm guessing you've never even been there.

Matt Cooper

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.

The big answer is yes, I do. But what has that got to do with it? These people need help not hateful commentary, accusations of laziness or sloth and a total lack of compassion from the people of Ann Arbor and in particular the West side of A2.

RESIDENT

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 12:16 p.m.

The big Question is do you live in the area of Camp Take Notice.

Matt Cooper

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 3:25 a.m.

US...so if they're not on your property (I mean that which you actually own as opposed to that which you seem to want to claim for your own benefit), what do you care about whether they're there or not? They aren't hurting you. They aren't lowering your propertry value. They aren't causing any major problems. And they certainly aren't an eyesore (you can't even see their camp from the roadway).

EyeHeartA2

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.

^^^^ Well then there's that.

Unusual Suspect

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:45 p.m.

"Mr. DaSilva, this is NOT your backyard." It's also not the yard of the people living in the camp.

Podulka

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:37 a.m.

Their letter that was left at our door when they first moved in said they would be gone in January. No one keeps their word anymore.shameful, no letter after that...hmmmm

pbehjatnia

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:05 a.m.

while i feel for hard luck, i feel also for property owners paying mortgages and taxes. the camp has been around for years at this point with no sanitary, no safe entry/exit for emergency personnel (as we saw two weeks ago), no background checks reported to authorities, no electric, no ...... nothing. this is a disaster waiting to happen. it's time to move on. if so many churches are involved at least one must own property which they would like to lease out to the camp. paying rent wouldn't hurt any of the campers.

Mike

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:49 a.m.

"What do you propose they pay rent with? Hopes and dreams?" Par time jobs strung together to create a full time jiob. Welfare. Food stamps, medicaid, and a myriad of other safety nets we have set up. get off the drugs.....decide to change their lives. There are people out there who will help those who try to help themselves and not just give them a handout.

Cory

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:28 a.m.

What do you propose they pay rent with? Hopes and dreams? Here's the problem. There is no money involved. Background checks cost money. Running water costs money. Everything costs money. We've got 70 people here with $20 in between them all. People who are against this place, Step up, talk to your employer, and give them part-time cleaning jobs. Give them SOMETHING to work at instead of just saying "Oh, they should move."

taxpayer united

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:59 a.m.

Sorry gotta GO!!!! Tax paying property owners have more rights than these people. Sorry. How would you like this camp as your neighbor. Yeah, I thought so.

ypsicalling

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 11:53 a.m.

You know these people personally to judge them all as awful people nobody would want to know? Families live there, the registered sex offender mentioned in the article is now in jail; maybe you got your stereotypes mixed up? Not just junkies and drunks are poor these days.

tom swift jr.

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 4:26 a.m.

Let's see, the choice is having these folks living next to me or you... not a hard decision...

Peter

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 3:37 a.m.

Our constitution does not give any additional rights to landowners.

tom swift jr.

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:57 a.m.

I'll tell you what, if Jesus found that group he would throw their sorry butts out on I-94.... oh...wait.... never mind...

Ann English

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 12:11 a.m.

Did you hear yet of the lioness spotted in a WOODED area off the I-94---M-14 interchange? She was spotted southeast of Camp Take Notice last Sunday. Reading that article first led me to read this one to see if the campers might have some firearms for protection against wild animals living in THEIR wooded area. During early Christian history, Christians were THROWN TO THE LIONS. The lioness story and your comments brought together!

Angry Moderate

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.

Ann Arbor is actually not a theocracy, FYI. The law doesn't care what your prophet of choice thinks.

Madeleine Borthwick

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.

nice try mr. swift, but if you read your bible you would know that Jesus HIMSELF was homeless. also, their butts aren't sorry whereas yours just might be. the retraction comes too late. have a nice day.

rusty shackelford

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:56 a.m.

What I see at CTN is a lot of people working together, in a very self-sufficient way (with outside help, yes, but in life has never depended on the kindness of others in some way?) to make the best of the bad situation they've found themselves in. It's the kind of thing that moralizers like to say the homeless need more of. Homeless people are usually accused of being lazy and unintelligent, etc. So why are the powers that be, and those reflexively deferential to them, so worried when poor people actually begin to take their fate in to their own hands?

oyxclean

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 4:41 p.m.

So Rusty, you must volunteer there and spend lots of tome there getting to know the residents. How else could you know all about the inner workings of CTK? Yeah, a convicted sex offender was living there. Nice.

RESIDENT

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.

What you don't see it there location you must not live in the area. In your statement you say in a very self-sufficient way. You must have not been reading the news when you have 19 churches giving them every thing they need to stay afloat. Thats sounds like allot of outside help and remember these churches are not even from Scio Township not one. What kind of message do you think this put out to the homeless people in our Country. I will tell you what it says if your homeless and you can make it to Ann Arbor (Scio Township) sorry you will be able to live here for free. We have 19 churches giving us food, shelter, clothing, tents, heaters, support. In a blink of an eye this camp will go from 78 to what 150, 250, 300 homeless people living there. There will be a point that there will not be enough churches to support them then what. Will you people that support the camp will open your doors and take them in If so open them know.

Skyjockey43

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 12:20 p.m.

Absolutely! Let's expand all this working together and self sufficiency! I propose a Camp Take Notice Annex in Rusty Shackelford's back yard. Then we can all feel better about ourselves and our lack of moralizing! Thanks for volunteering Rusty.

rusty shackelford

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 7:46 p.m.

That's obviously false, though it makes a nice straw man. Provide a single piece of evidence, please.

Billy

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:35 a.m.

I predict tons of deleted posts by morning...

Peter

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 3:36 a.m.

Hopefully they'll be left up as a testament to the hatred of their writers.

Unusual Suspect

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:34 a.m.

What a bunch of enablers.

Elijah Shalis

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:30 a.m.

Wow the comments in this article are just as bad as the ones in the other articles on this subject. Where do you propose all these homeless people go exactly? You people are as heartless as you can get. Because of the comments on the other article I felt I had to give money to a homeless couple today. I remember being poor and almost homeless as a little kid.

RESIDENT

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.

You should just move them in to your garage or spare room if you have one. That would be really nice of you. Let me guess you don't live anywhere this Camp Take Notice do you.

ypsicalling

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 11:49 a.m.

@Davidian -- you may remember hearing about an economic slowdown a few years ago.

UlyssesWrong1

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:04 p.m.

You're right, Elijah, but you're not going to find many people agreeing with you here.

Unusual Suspect

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:01 p.m.

"Sadly, this site has been almost entirely overtaken by irrational conservatives that make any kind of meaningful discussion nearly impossible. " We all know "meaningful discussion" is left codespeak for everybody agreeing with us. Sorry, people disagree with you, and your labeling of their disagreement as "irrational" is itself irrational. I'm surprised you haven't also thrown in "racist." Yet.

Unusual Suspect

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.

"I thought conservatives believed in helping yourself, not relying on others" Is that the kind of "meaningful discussion" you speak of?

J-smith

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:50 p.m.

a "Christian Nations" true feelings are posted here daily.

Davidian

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:37 p.m.

I propose something radical: They get jobs and contribute to society like the rest of us!!

Elijah Shalis

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 10:33 a.m.

Your right Rusty, they all have fake screen names. Well at least we know they aren't Buddhists, Christians, Jews, or Muslims by their beliefs.

A2comments

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 10:29 a.m.

Experts tell you not to I've money. Articles in this blog, including one where State Police advised not to.

martini man

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 3:34 a.m.

let em set up a few tents in your backyard..they can even use your bathroom and shower ..well maybe not the shower.

rusty shackelford

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:58 a.m.

Sadly, this site has been almost entirely overtaken by irrational conservatives that make any kind of meaningful discussion nearly impossible. Take heart in the knowledge that, at least in Washtenaw County, this is one of the few places they can share their repugnant views freely--though of course, they're still too ashamed to put their names behind what they say.

GoNavy

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:38 a.m.

How many are you housing and feeding?

smokeblwr

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:11 a.m.

Nobody rides for free. Sorry, but they gotta move.

Michigan Man

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:59 a.m.

Pictures suggest a very meager + poorly attended level of turnout/support for the campers. Glad the weather was nice otherwise the turnout/level of support would have been downright pathetic.

RESIDENT

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 1:57 p.m.

Looks like the only support they had were a couple of church member and that was not very much.

a2roots

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.

There is minimal community support for this group. The bleeding hearts in the area have other fish to fry.

antikvetch

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:49 a.m.

Has anyone suggested changing its name to "Camp Powder Keg"?

A2ron

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:42 a.m.

I hear Florida's really nice year-round... just saying.

ypsicalling

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 11:46 a.m.

Right, that's why there's already dozens of tent cities in Florida.

A2ron

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.

Sorry, @Billy. Lots of stuff I'd have to take care of before I leave. Even a short vacation I'd have to give my employer notice, pay my rent/bills in advance - just seems like a lot of WORK for me.

Billy Bob Schwartz

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:10 p.m.

Planning to move? Sarasota is nice.

annarboral

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:26 a.m.

Let all the supporters house the homeless in their churches & their homes. How would you like to sell your home and have potentials buyers ask what all those illegal, homeless squatters were doing nearby?

alex

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 7:14 a.m.

well said ArgoC!

ArgoC

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.

You're using "homeless" as a negative description word. "illegal" is a negative, but "homeless" reveals your values.

Hot Sam

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:21 a.m.

We have one of the best programs for the homeless in the nation...of course one must want to be helped when they go there...where can I sign the petition?

Rudedog

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 4:01 p.m.

I am with you @Hot Sam!! Where is the petition? I will make sure my neighbors sign it also!

Hot Sam

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:11 a.m.

I don't know any one on either side of he political aisle that doesn't want to help those who can't help themselves... They are also willing to offer a hand up when someone is in need...

rusty shackelford

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:59 a.m.

I thought conservatives believed in helping yourself, not relying on others?

Chase Ingersoll

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:12 a.m.

Where is the rally for all of the property tax payers?

ypsicalling

Sat, May 26, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.

Too lazy, obviously; otherwise said rally would exist.

EyeHeartA2

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:49 p.m.

No, they are all at work.

Robo

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:27 p.m.

Sidetracks. 4pm.

Sieben 7

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:18 a.m.

Why don't you organize one if you feel you need one?

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