For multiple months we have received complaints regarding the homeless takeovers at several Uptown bus stops. The majority of the complaints have focused on the heavily used bus stop and bus shelter across from Aldi and Target, at the corner of Sunnyside and Broadway.
Reader AK sent the following photos to illustrate the situation.
There is a nearly identical takeover at Wilson and Sheridan that has been the subject of other reader complaints.
Rainy days like yesterday, today, and this weekend present a particular problem. People who would otherwise use the shelters for their intended purpose are forced to stand out in the rain, many with purchases from Aldi and Target. Also, people who may need to sit down due to physical limitations can't sit down because the benches are inaccessible.
Readers have written to say they have received no real answer from Alderwoman Clay's office on the issue even though her office is nearly across the street. One reader reported she was told there was "nothing" that could be done, in part due to pushback from local homeless advocates who protested the removal of the bench inside the shelter.
We know DFSS has tried to deal with the situation, but with open drug use and a "party" atmosphere with a rotating cast of characters, the squatting has to come to an end.
If these individuals are resistant to moving, even after good faith outreach, then there need to be consequences for continuing to occupy public spaces in ways that prevent others from using them, starting with removing them.
Like the viaducts, compassion for people experiencing homelessness has to be balanced with the public's right to use public spaces for their intended purpose.
