Open Thread Wednesday

Gotta hand it to UPS for a competently carved on-brand pumpkin. They know what block they’re on. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0d8e939be60eaae638c346d7a200eacd6703f287e2e5a0bb9db092fec228e9d2.jpg

I know it is unfortunate, but there is now another homeless individual making a basecamp outside of 200 Montague Street over the past week. This is now in addition to the gentleman parked out within the Church on Court Street/Montague Street who has taken on a resident with him. What can be done about this? Or is there nothing that can be done unless they start to create problems for people walking on the street?

The man who calls me an “asshole!” when i ignore him is my new favorite. Better than the man who would call me a “bitch”.

In my experience, writing directly to the 84th precinct NCO, Officer John Condon or the other NCO, is the only way to bring attention and action to local issues that are not 911 worthy, or or dealt with properly via 311. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/patrol/precincts/84th-precinct.page

On a broader scale, homelessness is a problem that should be dealt with at a systemic level and goes back to Reagan’s pioneering efforts to discontinue public services to those with mental illness. Since then Americans have carried on a proud tradition of forsaking their needy because to see to their basic needs would be “socialism”, or detract from a higher priority effort to fund war or industrial agriculture or billionaire tax breaks. That’s before we talk about our criminal justice system, loan sharks, and the way our military functions. What a time to be alive! But I digress…

The guy at St. Ann’s church, for whatever it’s worth, is meticulously clean and demonstrates respect for the [public] physical space he occupies. I know he has problems and this sometimes causes him to be psychologically unpredictable with terrible effects for any unfortunate passersby. I hope he gets the help he needs.

Then there’s the other guy, who is often found near the corner of Montague and Henry asking for money. He gets really belligerent when you don’t respond to his requests. I routinely cross the street to avoid confrontations with him. I just don’t need his energy in my day. I hope he gets the help he needs too.

That guy is terrible. I’ve had minimal contact with him (tho it follows the usual –“hey, can i ask you something?” and when i ignore him, he calls me an asshole — script), but he has gotten verbally aggressive with my boyfriend on several occasions.

The “help a homeless veteran” guy? He always is chatting with people who look like they are on break from work and seem like they’re his friend so I thought he was not a problem

It’s very unfortunate. But if you are threatened, intimidated or assaulted by ANY individual, you should call the police and make a report. That’s the only way these things get documented and eventually taken care of. It is unfair that these people have to live on the streets and there’s not much we can do about it. But no one should have to take abuse from any of them. If you don’t do it for yourself, think about other people that may not be as thick skinned as you.

Lots of great Halloween displays along Willow Street!
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2d55f2f21302513bdda43f3501b181f1b79ee271566f7c01a782524221079d7e.jpg

They don’t take electrical or electronic stuff now. Nothing that requires a plug.

Detective Condon’s partner is Donovan Hunt. Both of them are perceptive. good listeners and hard-working.

I think you’re a little too understanding – of course, you ARE right about some of the root causes – but your “I don’t need his energy in my day” comment strikes me as very ill-considered words.

De-institutionalization was rooted in the sense that – as with many things – “if you look ahead in an increasingly expensive and unequal city & country, there won’t be enough money – or trained individuals – to handle the problem in that manner.” Calling for help – do you really think there’s any chance of a “happy ending” given laws that preclude insisting people “take meds”? – for mentally ill individuals who have wound up in situations like these “seems kind,” to be sure, but it’s inadequate – beyond any shadow of a doubt!

The Times had an article about “public spaces” (including subway platforms) this week that seemed sympathetic to homeless who might sleep there … were it not for designs – “ridges” and similar – that purposefully discourage that. A smart commenter pointed out that “the public” includes 99% people whose “rights” are violated by the homeless. Every so often – for a certainty – a mentally ill person who’s worse than “frayed” will grievously wound or kill someone. THAT is too high a price to pay for “tolerance,” and Seattle is among many cities where “livability” has been diminished. What if you can’t cross the street because there’s another distressed person – or several – on the other side?

Detention – for all the risks that it will be over-used – simply has to be an option. Too many mentally ill say, “No, I won’t let you take me to a shelter,” even on a cold wintry night. Being caring and compassionate cannot possibly be squared with “Well, if that’s your final answer….”

Mike Suko — This is an excellent assessment of what is going on — and what needs to be done. I am appalled by the comments from women who are afraid to walk by these miscreants in their own neighborhood. NO ONE should be subjected to that type of harassment — I don’t see much “kindness” in that behavior, and I am fed up that the “rest of us” are expected to deal with it and smile. At a minimum this is “assault” (look up the legal definition) and should be dealt with by the police. Enough is enough.