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Resident urges Shelton council to enforce camping and sidewalk ordinances, demand regular reporting
Summary
At the Nov. 4 meeting Dean Hewitt told council that open camping, blocked sidewalks, litter and human waste in parks and public right-of-way are driving residents away and asked for consistent enforcement, clear sidewalk-clearing policy and public reporting on enforcement actions.
During public comment at the Nov. 4 Shelton City Council meeting, resident Dean Hewitt called on the council to enforce existing ordinances and to publish regular reports on enforcement.
Hewitt told the council that people are “camping overnight in our parks in a clear violation of park hours and rules” and said those areas are “left littered with trash, drug paraphernalia, and human waste.” He argued these conditions reduce park use by families, children and seniors and create ADA-accessibility issues where sidewalks and public right-of-way are blocked, forcing pedestrians and people using wheelchairs into the street.
Hewitt asked the council for three actions: “1, consistent enforcement of park and camping ordinances; 2, a clear policy for clearing sidewalk obstructions and restoring ADA access; 3, accountability from city leadership with regular public reporting on violations and enforcement actions so residents can see the progress.” He said these steps would restore public safety, encourage investment, and help residents regain confidence that the city enforces its own laws.
Council did not take immediate action on the public comment but received the remarks; staff follow-up was not specified in the Nov. 4 record. The concerns raised relate to enforcement priorities and interdepartmental coordination (public works, parks and law enforcement) and may inform future agenda items or staff reports.
