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GREENSBORO, N.C. -
Increased police patrols at a busy intersection south of downtown appear to be having little effect on the number of loiterers who spend their days there.
About a week ago, the police department stepped up its presence at the corner of West Lee and South Eugene streets in response to nearby residents who complained too many people were hanging out near the intersection where several businesses sit.
"Look, there's a business here. You need to move on," is what officers are telling the loiterers, Assistant Chief Gary Hastings said Tuesday.
But despite those new efforts and signs that say loiterers will be prosecuted, the loiterers continue to linger.
Residents attribute the problem to nearby Greensboro Urban Ministry, which offers a night shelter for the homeless. Those in need are not allowed to stay there during the day, so they come to the intersection hoping to find day labor.
"They do want to work, but then again, they don't have to stand on that corner," said Guilford County Commissioner Skip Alston, who supports the creation of a day shelter.
The proposed shelter still needs funding, but Alston believes it will keep loiterers off the street.
"They're going to be able to get some help. They're going to get some counseling. They'll also have opportunities for job opportunities," he said.
For the time being, Hastings says, "We're probably just going to have to disperse them and keep them moving."
About a week ago, the police department stepped up its presence at the corner of West Lee and South Eugene streets in response to nearby residents who complained too many people were hanging out near the intersection where several businesses sit.
"Look, there's a business here. You need to move on," is what officers are telling the loiterers, Assistant Chief Gary Hastings said Tuesday.
But despite those new efforts and signs that say loiterers will be prosecuted, the loiterers continue to linger.
Residents attribute the problem to nearby Greensboro Urban Ministry, which offers a night shelter for the homeless. Those in need are not allowed to stay there during the day, so they come to the intersection hoping to find day labor.
"They do want to work, but then again, they don't have to stand on that corner," said Guilford County Commissioner Skip Alston, who supports the creation of a day shelter.
The proposed shelter still needs funding, but Alston believes it will keep loiterers off the street.
"They're going to be able to get some help. They're going to get some counseling. They'll also have opportunities for job opportunities," he said.
For the time being, Hastings says, "We're probably just going to have to disperse them and keep them moving."
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