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Public commenter urges no-camping ordinance and relocation of ETS truck near Brewer Park
Summary
A public speaker at the June 17 Shelton City Council meeting urged the city to adopt a no-camping ordinance and reconsider placement of an ETS outreach truck near Brewer Park, saying public spaces should be restored for general use.
A public commenter told the Shelton City Council on June 17 that a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling supports municipal authority to reclaim public spaces and urged Shelton to adopt a no-camping ordinance and take stronger action against encampments.
The speaker said Brewer Park “has become a blight” and argued vehicles and RVs under bridges and along streets are harming safety, health and economic vitality. The commenter recommended modeled approaches from other cities and said the city should direct people to structured assistance such as housing programs, addiction treatment and mental-health services rather than leaving informal settlements in public spaces.
The speaker also asked the council to reconsider the location of an ETS (Emergency Transfer Services) outreach truck stationed near Brewer Park, saying social services should be provided from a “dignified professional environment” rather than roadside stops. Another member of the public who spoke afterward criticized the first commenter’s remarks.
Council members did not take immediate policy action during the meeting; the discussion occurred as part of the public-comment period and no ordinance was introduced or voted on that night. The commenter referenced a recent United States Supreme Court ruling in support of municipal authority over public spaces; the council did not provide legal analysis or specify how that ruling would apply to Shelton during the meeting.
