Neighbors Plead With Milford To Address Homeless, Safety Issues

MILFORD, CT — Several Milford residents attended a Board of Police Commissioners meeting last week and raised numerous safety concerns about the homeless encampment on Wampus Lane.

Residents said the homeless start fires and homeowners are worried about their safety and potential loss of property value. Some residents say they have to vacate their homes at certain times. Some residents complained of hearing gunshots.

Bryan Anderson, 5th District Alderman – said residents have "clearly articulated the threat caused by this encampment. He stated public safety trumps all other consideration."

Police Commission Chairman Richard Smith and Police Chief Keith Mello told concerned residents that they "recognized the seriousness of this issue." They stated there is a Homeless Task Force in place and they continue to meet to address these concerns. They further noted if the law is being broken, city officials will respond.

Mello said the city has been dealing with the homelessness issue for many years. Officials continue to do research on this and reminded those present that homelessness is not illegal. He said it is the job of "this department to keep people safe and at the same time protect the constitutional rights of everyone."

Mello acknowledged the fact that people feel the department has the authority to remove people and take their property and that would be a violation of the Constitution. Mello explained that Health Department officials and mental health advisors talk to the homeless and try to advise them of places they can go to for help and these efforts have sometimes been successful. He also noted the number of homeless people has declined.

One resident asked if it was possible for one of the concerned residents could go with an officer or someone from a social service group to speak to the group about their concerns and Mello stated that would be another strategy that could work.

Here is what each resident said, via police commission meeting minutes:

Melissa Grey – shared concerns regarding the encampment (homeless people) on Wampus Lane noting she has made several attempts to speak with various members of the Mayor’s staff and the Mayor. She noted they graciously heard her comments but nothing has been done to rectify the situation in the residential neighborhood. She referred to the large fire in that area and stated she is concerned about her safety and the safety of her household. She added she is uncomfortable living across from this situation adding the size of the encampment has grown within the last year. She added she thought the fire would be something to reflect the need to clear up this problem.

Joanne Perini – noted she lives across from the encampment and often hears gunshots, adding those who live in the swamp area have propane tanks, generators and televisions. She expressed her concern about the big area of marshland being occupied.

Ann Berman, Chairman, Milford Environmental Coalition – noted the group had looked at the area a few years ago and most recently was disappointed to see the mess in the area and expressed her concern for the safety of the residents who live in that neighborhood. She offered suggestion of perhaps locating a place in town where these homeless people can gather during the day and be off the street. Also suggested identifying a person in the group who could take charge of the group and ensure they are following laws and rules and are being responsible.

Caitlyn Broderick – noted there are many young children who live in the area near the Wampus Lane encampment and because of the amount of drinking that goes on there she has had to leave her home on occasion.

Dominic Cotton – understands both sides of the issue regarding this encampment and has heard from several neighbors regarding the health and safety issues. He noted he has had conversation with other groups regarding this issue and felt there are rules that people have to follow and if they are unwilling to follow the rules on this property that is allegedly owned by the city, there must be a level of enforcement that follows. He stated if people choose to not follow the rules regardless of their mental health, they need to be removed from the property. He referred to the similar situation on the New Haven Green and there were rules followed in order to rectify that situation. He felt if someone is given the opportunity to receive help and they choose not to then they must face the circumstances.

Sally Grey – noted she has recently moved from the neighborhood but she stated the encampment has grown in size. She expressed concern about the possibility of a fire in that area becoming out of control very quickly. She stated she has spoken to Mr. Johnson about the situation and he led her to believe the city would not want to be sued or involved in a legal case if this type of matter was not handled properly.

David Grey – referred to comments made by previous speakers who shared their concerns and fear for their safety in their own neighborhood. He noted that the residents of this encampment set off fires every night and the large fire that was set ablaze in recent years required the support of area fire departments. He stated when someone is endangering the life of others, something needs to be done as it is no longer a laughing matter. It was also noted that the fire trucks coming to tend to the large blaze could not get into the area because the encampment is far into the woods.

Police officials say they will report residents concerns and ensure they are brought to the next Homeless Task Force Meeting.