Ashland, Ore.– Dozens of residents are trying to find a solution to the homeless and transient issue.
Most are concerned about their aggressive behavior.
Tuesday close to 100 Ashlanders met with Mayor John Stromberg about how to control a problem they say is getting worse.
Stromberg said he decided to host the meeting because of so many complaints and e-mails about the problem.
Specifically, Ashlanders said the homeless are aggressively pan handling, use foul language, urinate in public, and leave their trash behind.
One homeless woman said, “It’s very different when you’re homeless and you’re surviving day to day. The culture is much more in your face.”
Another man who lives in the Railroad District said, “I filled two garbage bags this high with their beer bottles, clothing that had been defecated in, syringes.”
Some of the solutions proposed were to get police to enforce more rules against pan handling and camping in public places.
Others suggested there should be a panel comprised of homeless people who can give a better input on what it is like and what an appropriate solution would be.
Not everyone got the chance to talk but there is another one scheduled for November 2nd.
On November 3rd the City Council will be voting on expanding their exclusion zone.
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