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Business owners press Greenville City Council over downtown homelessness and safety; police outline limits and set multi-agency meeting
Summary
Business owners and residents told council that persistent encampments, public urination and aggressive behavior are driving customers away; Police Chief Benji described enforcement limits under city ordinance 6 80.02, urged reporting and scheduled a multi-agency meeting Friday to pursue housing and mental-health solutions.
Business owners and residents pressed the Greenville City Council on downtown sanitation and safety at a public hearing, saying people sleeping on benches and using electrical outlets have driven customers away and left storefronts feeling unsafe.
"We need to get it cleaned up," Paul Fellers told the council, identifying himself as a concerned resident and describing trash and people congregating near downtown businesses. Ken Stiefer, who said he lives at and works near 607 South Broadway, asked the council to "remove the bench, please" outside his business to reduce loitering and the perception of disorder. "Our customers are trying to pass through. They're not getting out of their way," he said.
Michelle Steepeau, who also works at 607 South Broadway, said customers had reported leaving…
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