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Resident urges Shenandoah to address man sleeping near Circle K, offers $300 toward help
Summary
At the June 26 Shenandoah City Council meeting, resident Joshua Parks urged the city to act after a man began sleeping in a Circle K parking lot, citing safety and liability concerns and offering $300 toward a modest shelter or supplies.
Joshua Parks, a longtime Shenandoah resident, told the City Council on June 26 that a man sleeping in the parking lot of a Circle K near his neighborhood posed a safety risk and could invite further encampments.
"My question is why is he allowed to stay there," Parks said, noting the spot is private property and warning that a distracted driver could seriously injure the man. Parks said the individual is "very well presented" and that city staff and police have previously helped him obtain hotel rooms and hygiene services.
Parks asked whether the city has ordinances that prohibit camping in public view on private property, and he offered concrete suggestions: a small donated, sheltered place (about 15–20 feet), a bench elevated off the ground, or providing a bicycle with a trailer so the man would not need to push a shopping cart. "I would be offering $300 for my personal money to donate towards these things," Parks said.
Council members acknowledged Parks' concerns and the potential liability the city could face if someone were injured on or near private property. The mayor told Parks staff would follow up to discuss the situation.
Why it matters: Parks' remarks raised both an immediate public-safety concern for a specific location and a broader question about whether the city's ordinances or services adequately prevent the formation of encampments on private property. Council follow-up and coordination with property owners and law enforcement will determine whether any administrative or ordinance changes are needed.
The council did not take action at the meeting; staff indicated they would reach out to Parks for more information and review potential responses.
