Residents urge council to address homelessness and related public‑space concerns

Two Winchester residents spoke to the council at the May 27 meeting expressing concern about homelessness, public‑space sanitation and personal safety. During the public hearing for a housing application, a resident who lives near the project asked that the city address tall grass and property maintenance on an adjacent parcel; staff said the comment would be relayed to the zoning administrator.

Later in the public hearing sequence and again during the public comment period, resident Natalia DeRid (speaking during the public hearing) and Natalia Reed (speaking during public comment and identified as leading Eden Winchester) described repeated encounters with people experiencing homelessness near parks and private property, including reports of trash, use of the park as a bathroom and instances of harassment. Both speakers urged the city to take stronger action to address the problem.

President Sullivan acknowledged the concern, saying homelessness is “prevalent in every community across the country” and that the body remains committed to continuing efforts while noting there is no guarantee any single measure will fully resolve the issue. Staff and the council suggested the comments would be shared with appropriate departments and that the city will continue to work with partner agencies and programs.

Ending Councilors and staff indicated they will continue to pursue strategies to address homelessness and neighborhood impacts; speakers urged ongoing attention to safety and cleanliness in parks and near residences.