BEAVERTON, Ore. -- People who live and work in Beaverton say it's about time something is being done about the growing homeless issue.
Now, the city council is considering an ordinance that would ban overnight camping in areas intended for traffic and pedestrians. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday evening.
On Tuesday morning, Larry Crepeaux stood looking out his business’ window. Like many days, he monitors what's going on at the homeless camp feet from his business near the corner of Southwest Western Avenue and 5th Street.
“We found syringes in the parking lot. There's drug use. There's a lot of things happening in the neighborhood and it's literally 50 feet from our door which is really difficult when we're a youth based training [facility],” said Creapeaux.
He’s the executive director of Northwest Fencing Center. Crepeaux said fencers range in age from 4 to 74.
He said the city needs to come up with some sort of plan to address homelessness because some parents are uncomfortable dropping off their kids.
“We've seen everything. There's been multiple arrests out here, domestic fights. There was a gun pulled on one person at a point on one of the neighbors,” said Crepeaux.
He and neighbors say the police are called to the area pretty regularly.
“I've called the police numerous times. I've been threatened,” said Steve Mayall, whose fiancée lives in the apartment complex nearby.
“Move them. Just find where they can go,” he said.
Nicole Hileman, who is homeless herself, agrees that something should be done. But she said there needs to be support for the people who need help.
“It's time for a change but there needs to be more resources. Like you got all these abandoned buildings. Why not do something with them,” Hileman said.
Crepeaux feels similarly. He said he wants change, but done in the right way.
“Our first priority is that it's compassionate. Like whatever they're going to do, they can't just come in with a bulldozer. It has to be done properly,” said Crepeaux.
He hopes the city council will pass the ordinance. A first offense would result in a written warning that says they'd have to leave within 72 hours. The ordinance would also allow police to tow the vehicle if someone violated the ordinance during the previous 30 days.