Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness And Public Space topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Condominium board urges village help after weeks of congregation and alleged drinking near building
Summary
Towne Place Condominiums’ board and residents told trustees June 16 that people congregating on a southeast corner bench have caused safety, noise and trash concerns; village staff described ongoing outreach to individuals and said legal remedies are limited without infractions.
Residents of Towne Place Condominiums told the Village Board on June 16 that people congregating on a bench adjacent to their building have created safety and quality‑of‑life problems, including public drinking, loud arguments and persistent trash.
David Weiner, who said he serves on the condominium board and lives at 201 North Vale Ave., Apartment 408, said one woman has been living on the bench since late winter or early spring and that the congregation occurs throughout the day. "There is concerns for safety that is right near an exit from our building," Weiner said.
Village Manager Reklaas said village staff in Public Works, Health and Human Services, and Police are aware of the location and that outreach is ongoing. He said one woman is working with Darren Brown from Health and Human Services but so far has not accepted a housing placement. "We did not actually remove a bench to my knowledge in that area," Reklaas said, adding that removing benches often moves the issue elsewhere rather than resolving it.
Staff told trustees that some individuals in the area are known to police and that ordinances and criminal statutes remain available if complaints document illegal activity. Reklaas said the village has pursued ordinance changes previously for similar issues in public parking garages and that staff can research further municipal tools if the board wishes.
Trustee Bertucci and others said they want the village to be proactive in finding solutions that balance services for people experiencing homelessness with neighborhood safety concerns. Trustee Zick and Trustee Dunnington urged both compassion for unhoused people and practical measures to address resident concerns. President Tonaglia suggested putting the topic on a Committee of the Whole agenda for more detailed consideration.
No formal ordinance changes or enforcement actions were taken at the meeting; staff said they would continue outreach and can return with options for board consideration.
