POLL: What Should be Done with Concord’s Homeless Camps?

On July 30, officers from the were called to the homeless camp behind the along the for an alleged attack with an axe.

This was another in a number of major incidents that have occurred at the river or at the camp in recent months. These incidents don’t include the minor issues the police deal with at this camp – or other camps in Concord – on a regular basis.

Law enforcement officials note that there are often fights and parties going on until all hours in the camps, behaviors that would not be tolerated if non-homeless people were congregating in such a way in Riverfront Park or anywhere else. Officials have said that many of the problems at the camps are fueled by substance abuse.

Business leaders have also begun to raise concern about the increase in vagrancy, loitering, and panhandling in the capital city, especially in the historic downtown, at a time when city fathers are getting a boost in .

One parent noted yesterday that young women involved in the rowing team that practices on the river often feel unsafe due to comments made by some of the camp’s residents. Hours before , police were reportedly at the row house dealing with an issue between the swimmers and some of the students attempting to practice, according to the parent.

At the same time, as a society, whether you’re spiritual or not, we are taught to feel empathy for others who are in need of help and assistance.

The reconstruction of , a resource for the homeless, in the wake of a fire last year, is a good example of the community coming together to help others. The opening of the on South Fruit Street last year is another example. Collections for the and are also other examples.

While there are “for rent” and “for sale” signs all around the city, the price of housing is high in Concord, as compared to other parts of the state, especially if your employment options are in the lower income brackets (one bedroom apartments run about $800 to $900 a month).

Alleged illegal activity in city parks is not a new issue to Concord. The police regularly patrol the parks and have . When Terrill Park became a magnet for sexual activity a few years ago, the city thinned the brush out of the area and the activity was curbed. Last year, volunteers who are constructing a trail along the east side of the Merrimack, south of Loudon Road, , to make way for the new trail.

In light of what is going on at homeless camps in Concord, what do you think should be done?

Vote in our online poll and leave a note in the comment section.