Just a couple of last thoughts on the "Homelesss" ordinance which is exactly what it is no matter what city attorney Les Merkley says. He's the one who wrote the poorly worded statute that not only effects the homeless it was intended to, but property owners as well....Since we haven't heard differently we can only assume Merkley wrote it on the direction of Mayor Mike Moore and it was overwhelmingly adopted by the Jeff City Council. Neither party (council or mayor) had the nerve or conviction of decency to consult with the homeless task force appointed to give input on matters dealing with the homeless. Of course some of the spineless members of the Council after some public criticism (not their consciences) are talking about taking another look at the ordinance.Whatever it takes the council either crawfishing away from their original vote or Mayor Moore coming to his senses, this law needs to be changed. The earlier proposed shelter in downtown would be a prudent move in a compromise that would benefit both parties the City and the homeless, but if past actions by the zoning board are any indication the shelter won't happen.
If neither the law is changed or the shelter built then we can safely assume the City wants no part of helping the homeless out. They want the homeless gone even if it comes down to jailing them which the new ordinance allows. The Council and mayor both need to quit hiding behind their fake sense of compassion they express but never act on. Quit being cowards and say what you mean instead of trying to be politically correct on one hand but never do anything to help the problem with the other...
We've already see plenty of political posturing let's see if anyone will actually step forward and come up with a plan....what are the City leaders ashamed, embarrassed, or regret of seeing a homeless person ??? I'm not and would like to those elected officials not ashamed either......
Well said ht.
ReplyDeleteWell said dude.......I've always said, they(azzhats 'at don't give a ratz 'bout the homeless)....ought'r be MADE ta live without ALL'a they sh*t fer....I'll say...?.....a week....an' I mean NO conveniences PERIOD.....NADA.....they'd change they gawda*n tune ....an' it would'n take 24 hrs, neither......
ReplyDeleteLots of people not just the politicians are two faced about the homeless. They say they should be helped but don't want the help to be in their neighborhoods.
ReplyDeleteNo one is really asking the city to fund a shelter, but all recent studies show it's cheaper to house than jail. This is really yet another way they city is cutting into county resources. The jail expenses prompt a mandate, therefore a raise in taxes. Taxpayers lose again.
ReplyDeleteSomebody correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the funding for the proposed shelter was coming from Paul at Exit 0...All that was needed was a rezoning of the old JJ's video building downtown...but led by the City Councilman in that Dist. "Spineless" Mike Smith the rezoning wasn't allowed.
ReplyDeleteDonations would probably keep this shelter a float and it wouldn't cost taxpayers a dime...but the heartless, two faced, hypocritical politicians wouldn't budge on rezoning to make the shelter a reality...
this site is in an unobtrusive, barely used part of downtown in close proximity where most of the local homeless are...a perfect location...
You're correct. Exit 0 already had a lease. Like with camping arrangements, the property owner knew the plans and approved. The ministry had already done extensive renovations at their own expense. The outside of the property looked better while they were there then while it was vacant. Their zoning excuses were total bullshit as the type of zoning requested exists two doors down. There's a church there next to Nelson's.
ReplyDeleteThey are arresting a lot of them for PI and then putting them on probation, bot of which cost the County, not the City.
ReplyDelete