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Resident urges city action as veteran lives in abandoned building; officials say help has been offered but declined
Summary
A resident told Elyria City Council a homeless man has lived in an abandoned building since November, leaving trash and creating health concerns; council members and city staff said the man — identified locally as 'Al' — has refused help and legal constraints tied to property probate limit city options.
A resident told Elyria City Council on March 17 that a man has been living in an abandoned building across the street from her home since November, creating trash, health concerns and fear for neighborhood children.
"We've been having this ongoing issue with this gentleman living across the street, homeless, parked out in front of this building," said Sandra Goins, who gave her address as 1422 Middle Avenue. She said the man has been there since November and that neighbors and children pass the site daily.
Councilmember Armstrong said the man, referred to as "Al," is a veteran and that outreach teams — including the VA, city police and the health department — have tried to help, but he has repeatedly refused assistance.
"Until that property finishes probate, there's really nothing that we can do at this moment legally," Armstrong told Goins. "He literally refuses help that he could get as a veteran to this day still."
Safety service director Pyanowski (staff) said the health department has visited and that the man did not meet criteria for removal under adult protective services. "We have tried a lot of different options, and he's refused to participate," Pyanowski said, adding the city would make additional outreach attempts.
Council members asked staff to continue follow-up. The mayor and safety service director said they would connect Goins with the safety service office for additional information and follow-up steps after the meeting.
No formal enforcement action or service placement was announced during the meeting.
