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Resident urges Shelton council to enforce camping and sidewalk‑obstruction ordinances, request regular enforcement reporting
Summary
A resident told the Nov. 4 council meeting that camping and sidewalk obstructions are eroding public safety and accessibility in Shelton, and urged consistent enforcement, a clear sidewalk‑clearing policy and public reporting on enforcement actions.
Dean Hewitt, a member of the public who signed up to speak at the Nov. 4 Shelton council meeting, urged the council to enforce existing ordinances related to camping, park hours and obstruction of sidewalks.
Hewitt said residents regularly encounter overnight camping in parks, litter, drug paraphernalia and human waste and that sidewalks and public ways are often blocked, forcing people in wheelchairs or parents with strollers into the street. He described recent fires on public sidewalks and in parks as examples of public safety hazards. Hewitt asked the council to adopt three steps: consistent enforcement of park and camping ordinances, a clear policy for clearing sidewalk obstructions to restore ADA access, and regular public reporting on violations and enforcement actions so residents can track progress.
"We don't need new laws. We need to enforce the ones we already have," Hewitt said during his remarks. He framed the request as seeking both safety and accountability while also connecting people to services.
Council members did not take immediate policy votes on the issue at the Nov. 4 meeting; the remarks were recorded during the public comment period.
