Summit Seeks Productive Answers

Last Friday morning, more than 25 community service leaders and Westminster City officials came together for a "Street Summit" focused on creating productive opportunities for the people who regularly "hang" on Main Street.

HSP executive director Cindy Parr organized the summit at the request of Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz and Marge Wolf, city manager. The group had representation from the Health Department, Social Services, Citizen Services, the religious community, Human Services programs and a host of other community service organizations.

The meeting started with introductions and statement of purpose for the meeting. Mayor Kevin Utz addressed the group and shared concerns that he has received from the Main Street business community."There is a perception from the business community that the people hanging out on the streets downtown are keeping shoppers from coming into their shops," Utz said. "We want to talk today about what we might be able to do to help provide some productive opportunities for these folks."

Following the opening remarks, three break-out groups brainstormed a variety of ideas that will form the baseline of efforts going forward.A subcommittee of the larger group will work on a regular basis to become more familiar with the sub-populations and the specific barriers they may face.

The larger group is planning on meeting quarterly to stay on top of these and  other relevant issues.