Bradford, Pennsylvania — Off Elm Street is a swath of woods bordering Tunungwant Creek and visible from US Route 219.
A field of rubble the length of a football field remains from a homeless camp that was found to have been used during the summer. Videos and photos are circulating on social media. Bradford City Police Chief Mike Ward said on Monday: ‘I would ask anyone to stay away from there.
“There were signs of drug use in this particular camp,” the chief said. “One of his city officials went there and collected all the drugs in sight to remove the immediate danger.”
Abandoned encampments are littered with shopping carts, makeshift toilets, bedding, and trash of all kinds.
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The rubble-strewn area belongs to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Ward, PennDOT supervisor Scott Majot and the city’s public works director Chip Comilla met there last week for a walk in the area.
“The city is working with PennDOT to plan a cleanup in the next few weeks,” Ward said, adding that they’re looking for volunteers to help. A cleanup date will be announced.
“PennDOT is making arrangements for trash cans and equipment to be brought to the site. At that time, city officials and volunteer groups are planning to coordinate the cleanup on a specific date yet to be determined. ‘, said Ward.
Some detractors say that if it’s PennDOT’s property, why not let them clean it up?
“Because we recognize that it’s dangerous and honestly it’s meant to protect the community of Bradford,” said the chief. “It’s our gateway to the city.”
What about those who confused you?
“Those responsible are known and accordingly charged with charges related to littering and leaving debris on the campsite,” Ward said. I demand compensation for
Is this just piling more problems on the backs of people who are already out of luck?
“We continue to provide community services to these homeless people,” Ward said. “We help those who accept our help.
“Those who don’t are quoted accordingly for damage and litter,” he added. We are working continuously to help them return.”
Alderman Tom Riell, one of the city officials behind the move to clean up the debris, said efforts were made to help those involved. “I’ve reached out to some of these people, and most of them don’t want help other than money. Most of them suffer from some form of addiction.
“They can’t drink or do drugs at the shelter,” the councilor said. “Some of these people have already been kicked out of their shelters. He has a list of over 100 people who have been banned from OYO hotels. Almost everyone we met was on that list. .”
This is a community issue, not a city government issue, Riel said.
“We recently received reports and photos of some camps on the hill above South Avenue and West Corridon Street,” he said. , the city can do nothing.”
