Photo By Laura Cardwell

I’ve been thinking about the homeless issue and I recommend a different approach.

The infrastructure to serve this population is already here and the Northeast will not win a “democratic” battle against the rest of the City, demanding that the other neighborhoods take their “fair share”.

The real issue with the homeless is the negative externalities associated such as property crime and littering.  In return for accepting a disproportionate share of this population we should receive a disproportionate share of Police patrols and clean up. Property crime must be prosecuted.  Every time we see a shopping cart, we know it is stolen property. Also, we should have zero tolerance for homeless camps in public parks or near children playgrounds or schools.  Extra litter clean up is a must as well.

That’s my recommendation. Don’t wish for pie in the sky, but play the hand you hold.

– Thomas Strenge,
 Historic Northeast