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Posted on Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 5:58 a.m.

'Night and day' difference in Liberty Plaza after police set up Ann Arbor Art Fair booth

By Kyle Feldscher

ligeartfair.jpg

Ann Arbor police Lt. Matt Lige hands out handheld fans to customers at the Ann Arbor Art Fair Thursday afternoon.

Kyle Feldscher | AnnArbor.com

The Ann Arbor Police Department decided for the first time this year to get its own booth at the Ann Arbor Art Fair and put it in the hotly debated Liberty Plaza.

Two days in, merchants near the booth are seeing a major difference.

Irene Gianinni and her husband Harry are making their second appearance at the Art Fair and were at the same spot on East Liberty, about 30 yards west of South Division Street, in 2012.

“The police weren’t there, it was totally different,” said Gianinni, who came up from Columbus, Ohio. “It’s night and day. During the day, you’d have the homeless there all day and people wouldn’t go in the park.

“This year, if you look, it’s a totally different feel. It’s incredible. Yesterday, the park was totally filled with people.”

That’s the goal the Ann Arbor Police Department was hoping to reach by setting up shop in Liberty Plaza — a place known for vagrants and drug and alcohol use.

In the past year, Ann Arbor police Chief John Seto has identified Liberty Plaza as an area where police presence needed to be increased. More foot and vehicle patrols have seemed to have the desired effect, with calls for police service to Liberty Plaza decreased year to date from 2012.

Lt. Matt Lige said this is a test run to see if having emergency services such as the AAPD, Ann Arbor Fire Department, Huron Valley Ambulance and the American Red Cross could all be set up in the park.

He said using Liberty Plaza as an “emergency service corridor” — the American Red Cross also has a booth there this year — during Art Fair was a natural choice.

“Strategically speaking, this is the perfect place to transform the plaza into some type of emergency-service corridor,” Lige said. “It’s centrally located, there’s convenience with the streets, all the services that we need. Secondarily, there’s also the perception that Liberty Plaza has.”

He added, “If emergency services personnel being there during this time serves a deterrent, that’s the second reason why we’re here.”

Lige has spent much of the past two days offering fans and Ann Arbor police stickers to festivalgoers who are taking a break in the shade. A band played soft jazz music in the park Thursday afternoon while Liberty Plaza looked as city officials must have always hoped it would: Filled with families and others, sitting on the benches and relaxing in the shade, feeling completely comfortable.

Between 3 and 4 p.m. Thursday, seats were at a premium in Liberty Plaza. Rumors of a storm coming toward the area raised hopes that the heat might break, but many people were turning gratefully to the handheld fans Lige was distributing.

Some incidents have been reported to police by passers-by, Lige said, but there hasn’t been any major crime reported at Art Fair to this point. Police officers at the booth are distributing information about the citizen’s academy, the Community Emergency Response Team and other information usually only available at City Hall.

He was focused on keeping others cool, but Lige said it’s been a difficult task for the officers on patrol in the plaza to stay comfortable.

“We are doing our best with all this wonderful shade to try and stay as cool as we can,” he said. “With all the equipment that we wear, and as hot as it’s been, it’s difficult to have a real comfortable atmosphere.”

At the same time, police officers were delivering a comfortable atmosphere for nearby vendors.

Gianinni said she was worried while she and her husband set up their booth Tuesday evening. Much like last year, Liberty Plaza was rowdy.

People were cursing and threatening each other, she said.

But, her husband pointed out the quiet atmosphere in the park quickly on Wednesday. Gianinni said she’s noticed the police presence has caused more people to actually enter the plaza, as opposed to sitting on the curb just outside as they did last year.

Gianinni and other merchants have gone out of their way to thank police for being out in the plaza, Lige said.

“I can’t tell you how many residents and customers have come through the plaza to sit down and enjoy the shade, enjoy the jazz music and get off their feet,” he said. “It’s been a very, very positive reception, having the Ann Arbor police here as a focal point and a mainstay for this entire event.”

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Comments

Greg

Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 5:24 p.m.

Somebody needs to explain to the Mayor that having a police presence actually does make a difference. Art and Green doesn't cut it alone.

LiberalNIMBY

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 10:55 p.m.

Let's take a moment to notice just how much it costs in police protection to operate a poorly-situated downtown park. Now... who wants another one behind the library? You patrol it.

Nicholas Urfe

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 9:57 p.m.

Someone should do a puppet show with those fans that police are handing out. Of course you might suffer the fate of the Violin Monster and be persecuted for your art.

Brad

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 9:04 p.m.

So now two things together constitutes a "corridor"? How many for a "hub"?

Nicholas Urfe

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 9:25 p.m.

I am hoping they'll upgrade it to a nexus!

Kyle Feldscher

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 9:21 p.m.

Brad - A hub is just one thing, isn't it?

Jaime Magiera

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 8:56 p.m.

I'd like to see the city provide a way for the "homeless" to participate in Art Fair. For example, hire them to hand out water, fans, etc. Instead of pushing the "homeless" to another corner of the city, I'd like to see a way for them to participate and feel some connection to the greater society.

BornNRaised

Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 11:50 a.m.

You should invite them to your home and offer them some jobs around the house. Let us know how the system works before pushing it to everyone else.

nickcarraweigh

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 8:33 p.m.

I ate lunch in Liberty Plaza Tuesday afternoon, when the fellow you've photographed -- Lt. Lige -- appeared in plainclothes with his badge on his belt next to his sidearm. He was with another man, and they were checking whether a banner would fit the already-erected rainfly. Before leaving, the lieutenant told one group to leave the park, as it was now closed for the fair. They didn't. He then walked around to three other groups in the park, baiting them. "Can't come here tomorrow," he told one group. "Where you going to go?" The highest standards of law enforcement, ladies and gentlemen, taking time to show the flag, win respect and gain friends.

Ypsi Russell

Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 4:20 p.m.

Lt. Lige's approach was correct, and I wish he could do it every day of the year.

newsmuse

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 7:57 p.m.

If the folks who usually hang at Liberty Plaza are not there during Art Fair, then I can only assume that they chose not to be there. I don't get the sense that the "emergency services corridor" is forcing people to either leave or to enter Liberty Plaza.

Nicholas Urfe

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 7:21 p.m.

If the park was filled with people in suits who are wall street executives, then I'd be really afraid of being near there.

SC

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 6:16 p.m.

It's funny to hear that people "wouldn't" go in the park before- what was stopping them? Certainly not the people who normally hang out there. "This year if you look it's a totally different feel. Yesterday the park was totally filled with people" Well the park is always filled with "people" but I guess what we are celebrating the fact that it is filled with the "right" type of people now, people that won't stir up the biases, prejudices and fears in our hearts……. or maybe even prick our consciences (wishful thinking on that last one).

Jaime Magiera

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 8:58 p.m.

Indeed.

nctsays

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 5:40 p.m.

I work with many of the population that spend their days at Liberty Plaza. It makes me sad that we judge these human beings as a problem that needs to be hidden before visitors descend on Ann Arbor's Art Fairs. Yes, these folks have issues with addiction, mental illness, stable housing, etc. what can we do to help, not hide the problem?

jcj

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 8:16 p.m.

When others put down the homeless they are accused of being callous, when the homeless or panhandlers do it they are excused by some. You can't ask one side to be respectful and not the other. It does not take a home , money or a college degree to be respectful!

Nicholas Urfe

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 4:52 p.m.

"I worry about this plaza, especially since I know people who have to walk by it to get to work every day!" You actually know someone who walks by the park? How terrible for them. I actually walk through the park and eat in the park. I had no idea I was being so brave. Is there a reason they have not called the police to report... Wait - you did not mention any criminal activity. So what is the big deal? I can't recall the last time a crime was reported there - either by the police, or in a2.com. Crimes are reported elsewhere in the city every day. If the park is so threatening, those people you know could probably detour to the other side of the street. Or a different street.

RUKiddingMe

Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 6:31 p.m.

Jaime, I spent lots of time with all kinds of people. Some kinds of people make places unpleasant for other kinds of people. For instance, completely drunk underage college students typically are loud and abrasive and inappropriate and foulmouthed and often all these things very late at night. If you're saying that people who avoid that crowd at certain times are trying to "live in a bubble," then yes, I suppose your post makes sense. Except it doesn't.

Jaime Magiera

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 9 p.m.

I walk by Liberty Plaza several times a day. If you've ever spent any amount of time with people down on their luck, low-income, with addictions, etc. you should feel no fear. On the other hand, if you've spent a lot of time trying to live in a bubble...

RUKiddingMe

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 5:10 p.m.

Patient: It hurts when I do this Doctor: Don't do that Not really a great solution for problems. The reality is that this park is typically very unpleasant due to loud, foulmouthed people in various stages of being homed. Your all-encompassing humanitarian outlook cannot change that current reality. Something can either be done to make it more pleasant, or it can remain unpleasant. But it IS currently unpleasant for most people not already part of that crowd, and that is the reality.

genetracy

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 4:38 p.m.

Expect the ACLU to file a federal lawsuit against the AAPD for entering the home (Liberty Square) of the homeless with a warrant.

KMHall

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 4:59 p.m.

Watch for the bad taste patrol. Ah well, ACLU-bashing is protected I guess.

genetracy

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 4:41 p.m.

Oh boy, the grammar and spelling patrol will be after me now. I meant "without a warrant".

J. A. Pieper

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 4:15 p.m.

I worry about this plaza, especially since I know people who have to walk by it to get to work every day!

mady

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 7:57 p.m.

J.A., people become homeless for any number of reasons and for the most part they are not dangerous; of course there will always be exceptions to the rule. Someone I know very well (whose identity I am not revealing)became homeless due to escaping an abusive situation and until a bed opened up for this person @ the Delonis Center, this person's church stepped in and paid for a hotel. Homeless people are not monsters, and I am tired of this largely-unreasonable bias against them!

Atticus F.

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:39 p.m.

"It's night and day. During the day, you'd have the homeless there all day and people wouldn't go in the park." As if the homeless aren't actually "people"

jcj

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 8:14 p.m.

When others put down the homeless they are accused of being callous, when the homeless or panhandlers do it they are excused by some. You can't ask one side to be respectful and not the other.

zanzerbar

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:39 p.m.

Actually the Police presence had little to do with it. It is the heat that probally drove people away. It was reported here that the Delonias center was one of the lcations that was to be opened as a cooling center. So that the people that are residents of the homeless shelter were not put into the street each day.

jcj

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 8:13 p.m.

zanzerbar What part of "This year, if you look, it's a totally different feel. It's incredible. Yesterday, the park was totally filled with people." don't you understand? Last year there were temps over 100 for the fair. So the heat is not the only factor.

neuronmisfire

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:30 p.m.

Funny how this is the lead when Detroit (you know, that big city right up the road from AA) just declared bankruptcy. I don't see a single story about it.

Cindy Heflin

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 4:35 p.m.

Here is an article about the Detroit bankruptcy that was on our homepage this morning: http://www.annarbor.com/news/opinion/column-will-bankruptcy-signal-detroit-rebirth/ You can find more coverage on our homepage under the Nation/World and State sections, as well as extensive coverage from our MLive partners here: http://topics.mlive.com/tag/detroit-bankruptcy/posts.html We are also working on a followup article about the Detroit situation and how it is likely to affect Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. Our coverage is heavily focused on Washtenaw County and Ann Arbor, where one of the biggest events of the year is underway this week. The Detroit bankruptcy is obviously a story of great state and national significance, and we will continue to report on it as it intersects with local businesses and municipalities

Nicholas Urfe

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:20 p.m.

So what's the big deal? There are very few crimes reported there. I eat lunch in that park regularly. I accept that other people use the park. Those people are just as entitled to use the park as anyone else - regardless of skin color, choice of attire, or economic status.

Ypsi Russell

Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 5:50 p.m.

*Snitching* is frowned upon, so bum on bum crime is seldom reported

jcj

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 8:12 p.m.

Nicholas All people normally would ask is that they don't talk and act rude, crude. It does not take money, a home, or a college degree to be somewhat respectful towards others. When others put down the homeless they are accused of being callous, when the homeless or panhandlers do it they are excused by some. You can't ask one side to be respectful and not the other.

neuronmisfire

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:48 p.m.

Because homeless people are gross and they remind me that not everyone can afford 3-dollar coffee. ;)

Atticus F.

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:40 p.m.

Well said!

justcurious

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:17 p.m.

I would think Ann Arborites would want the downtown foot police presence to curb the mounting crime, not to scare away the unfortunate. But then, that's the new Ann Arbor.

GoNavy

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 9:26 p.m.

It's our community as well, and some of us would like to enjoy it.

KMHall

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2:38 p.m.

I am, in the eyes of many commenters, a flaming, bleeding heart liberal and a take a lot of down votes around here. I wish that America were structured in a way that everyone could have a decent life and that no one would be homeless. I don't pretend to know where city dollars should be spent, BUT Liberty Plaza is too nice to not be able to use by "the rest of us." Now my fellow liberals will give me a down vote, but you know what I mean. It would be a great place to hang out but it just isn't comfortable. I doubt we can have police stationed there, but a change in atmosphere would be a service to the city.

bill s

Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 8:23 p.m.

@Nick: They might hear some suggestive comments walking by a bar after midnight, but what I'm referring to is walking at 8 a.m. on a tuesday and being called a f@#%ing c*#t. I also believe that by questioning her on whether she called the police you're trying to point the finger at women; "if they don't complain then they deserve it". I know no matter what I say, you'll defend these men for their actions; you're not strong enough to stray from "the agenda".

jcj

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 8:07 p.m.

Nicholas WAKE up!

Nicholas Urfe

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 7:23 p.m.

@bill s: Have they made complaints to the police? And are you saying they do not receive any similar comments elsewhere in the city?

bill s

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 5:22 p.m.

I know women who live AND work downtown, and every one of them adjusts their daily walks to and from their jobs to avoid the awful things these jerks say to them. I just don't think it's fair to ask residents, who already pay quite a monetary price for living downtown, to endure this graphic sexual harassment.

mady

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 5:18 p.m.

KM, sadly, I doubt that homelessness will ever be completely eradicated. People become homeless for any number of reasons. One of those reasons is ongoing substance abuse, and as long as it continues, homelessness will too.

neuronmisfire

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:51 p.m.

What is the issue exactly? I eat lunch there and have never been harassed in the least.

Nicholas Urfe

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:18 p.m.

The fact is, there just aren't many crimes reported in that park. There are a lot of people complaining about "those people", but "those people" apparently are not committing crimes that are reported.

Widow Wadman

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2:19 p.m.

I've been to the art fair every night this week but taking it very easy due to the heat. I'm glad that there's a place to sit down. It's nice to see the police officers and fire personnel walking around, not confrontational, but available if people have a problem.

arborani

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1:51 p.m.

Terrific idea - hope it can be extended.

Nicholas Urfe

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1:34 p.m.

Makes me want to dress as a homeless person and borrow a cart for some park fun.

JPLewis

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1:49 p.m.

Knock yourself out.

EBL

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1:12 p.m.

Great move. Chief Seto is a gifted officer. We are lucky to have him. This is the product of creative and thoughtful leadership. Kudos to Ann Arbor for promoting from within.

David Cahill

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.

This is a great idea!

Brad

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1:03 p.m.

Can't have them bothering the Art Fair tourists, can we? They rented the city you know. So can we expect anything like this for the benefit of mere city residents?

justcurious

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:49 p.m.

Homeless Lyrics by Guy Clark Cardboard sign old and bent says 'friend for life 25 cents When did this start making sense? Man it's really getting cold Sometimes I forget things and I get confused I could still be working, but they refuse Now I'm living with the bums and the whores and the abused, man I hate getting old Homeless, get away from here dont give them no money they'll just spend it on beer Homeless, will work for food, you'll do anything that you gotta do, when you're homeless. Betty sings a song that no one hears, as the wind begins to freeze her tears She says 'God it's been so many years', she's way past complainin She sings a heartelt melody, one that begs for harmony No it's not what she thought it would be, but hey it could be rainin Homeless, get away from here dont give them no money they'll just spend it on beer Homeless, will work for food, you'll do anything that you gotta do, when you're homeless. You know life ain't easy it takes work, it takes healing cause you're gonna get hurt You can lose your faith you can lose your shirt, lose your way sometimes Ah you never really have control, sometimes you just gotta let it go When the final line unfolds, it don't always rhyme

justcurious

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:15 p.m.

Unusual Suspect, I've seen Guy at the Ark a few times. He has a new album coming out in a couple of days. Great man.

Usual Suspect

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1:32 p.m.

Open Mic night is Wednesdays at The Ark.

GoNavy

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:27 p.m.

Finally - a move that makes sense for this city. Keep up the patrols in Liberty Plaza please, Chief Seto.

Arboriginal

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.

Energy flows where attention goes, or something like that! More beat cops please.

Linda Peck

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:18 p.m.

Thank you for this article, Kyle. It proves that downtown police presence is a good thing. Perhaps now the DDA will actually move on the City Council's request to use "their" money for downtown police presence. Why are they taking so long to do this? Why are they undecided about whether to act on the City Council's request?

Nicholas Urfe

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.

"During the day, you'd have the homeless there all day and people wouldn't go in the park." Because the homeless aren't people.

cameal

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 4:16 p.m.

Right? I did sense a bit of haughtiness in that comment. Gotta keep those animals from ruining the good times of the Real People.

Tano

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1:23 p.m.

As Yogi said, "Nobody goes there anymore, its too crowded".

justcurious

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.

I thought the same thing Nicholas. There but for the grace of God go I....(but that could NEVER happen to me!!!)

Alan Goldsmith

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : noon

""The police weren't there, it was totally different," said Gianinni, who came up from Columbus, Ohio. "It's night and day. During the day, you'd have the homeless there all day and people wouldn't go in the park." Sorry those darn pesky homeless people are getting in the way of selling your mechandise. Next year maybe we can just round up all those low lifes and put them in holding cells so your Ohio eyes aren't offended. We're so sorry your visit to Ann Arbor hasn't been everything you've dreamed in the past.

Slim Jim

Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 1:48 a.m.

For the price of renting a booth they should be able to sell their art without dealing with people fighting and threatening each other, using and selling drugs openly and urinating in public.

jcj

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 8:03 p.m.

Do you frequent the park Mr Goldsmith?

clownfish

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 11:57 a.m.

Praise them for a job well done, after calling for them to take a pay cut.

aanative

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 4:13 p.m.

And like with many private sector workers. Without the praise

spaghettimonsters

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:03 p.m.

It's like with public school teachers...except, you know, without the praise.

JBK

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 11:47 a.m.

Amazing! One would think that this would have been a no-brainer. The bigger question is, "why did it take so long for this to happen?". This strikes me as a 'common sense' policy. Oh never mind. For a fleeting moment I forgot I was in Ann Arbor. :)

KMHall

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.

I was about to applaud your comment until the last snarky sentence. I agree with it being a no-brainer. I just enjoy and appreciate Ann Arbor a little more than you do, apparently.

smokeblwr

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 11:44 a.m.

Just another case of The Man keeping Ann Arbor from embracing it's inner funkiness.

GoNavy

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 9:25 p.m.

Nobody got your sarcasm on this one. Here, have an up vote.

Usual Suspect

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1:31 p.m.

"Funkiness" has several different meanings, so not embracing it can also be a very good thing.

PhillyCheeseSteak

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:42 p.m.

Thank you, The Man.

sh1

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 11:36 a.m.

Be careful in using the word "homeless" to describe the groups that gather at Liberty Plaza. It is a gathering place during the day, but empty at night. Most panhandlers are not homeless.

seldon

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1:48 p.m.

He essentially was. People who are voting these comments down probably haven't talked to anyone who does social work with the local panhandler population. Not denying at all that these folks need help, but a fair number of them (not all) do have places to live.

KateT

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:49 p.m.

A frequent panhandler and I used to ride the same bus into downtown on Sunday mornings. I believe his "station" was in front of White's Market. He lived near Carpenter and Packard; I thought he had an apartment, but I don't know for sure. People would ask, "So, how do you think you're going to do today?" Kind of surreal, just like he was commuting into work like anybody else. Just an observation.

seldon

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:17 p.m.

It's also because a sizeable percentage of panhandlers in Ann Arbor have apartments, often under Section 8.

Martha Cojelona Gratis

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 11:59 a.m.

That's because homeless shelters have a curfew. Try to get out more.

Hugh Giariola

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 11:28 a.m.

Great, now what about the other 360 days until next art fair?

Michigan Man

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 11:11 a.m.

Great leadership shown by A2 Police Department!

Stephen Lange Ranzini

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 10:59 a.m.

Thanks, Chief Seto, what a great initiative. See, proactive policing and getting police out of patrol cars and on their feet downtown does make a huge difference!

Steve Bean

Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 2:18 a.m.

Stephen, what was the crime?

actionjackson

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 10:23 a.m.

Where do the homeless go now?

matt1027

Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 3:50 a.m.

Who cares. If they didn't act like disrespectful animals with foul mouths to the people who pay for their shelter, food, and so on maybe it wouldn't be an issue. But they are so despicably rude to anyone who has ever worked for a living that you cant even walk your children through that park. It makes me sick that my money, however small the actual amount is, goes to support degenerate lay-abouts.

jcj

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 8:01 p.m.

zanzerbar What part of "This year, if you look, it's a totally different feel. It's incredible. Yesterday, the park was totally filled with people." don't you understand? Last year there were temps over 100 for the fair. So the heat is not the only factor.

JB SHOOTER

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 4:12 p.m.

into the woods by the river

grovestresident

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.

The go to West Park or one of the other parks in the area. Check out the Library, I'm sure a lot of them are there!!! Those would be a great place to take some cool drinks and sandwiches to them if you would like!!!!!!

Widow Wadman

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.

They are in the public library.

zanzerbar

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3:43 p.m.

Actually the Police presence had little to do with it. It is the heat that probally drove people away. It was reported here that the Delonias center was one of the lcations that was to be opened as a cooling center. So that the people that are residents of the homeless shelter were not put into the street each day.

lorayn54

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:30 p.m.

I'm sure that they are in someone else's "backyard." They have simply moved to another location.

Tim Hornton

Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : noon

Invite them to your home.