During a recent city council meeting, community concerns regarding homelessness took center stage, highlighted by a poignant testimony from Candy Newton, the store manager of Grand Union in Rome. Newton described alarming conditions in the plaza, where she reported frequent encounters with homeless individuals, including instances of drug use and public safety hazards. She detailed the challenges her business faces, including the need for constant police intervention and the unsanitary conditions that have forced her to clean human waste from the sidewalks.

Newton's testimony resonated with council members, prompting discussions about the broader implications of homelessness in the city. Councilor Sprague acknowledged the issue, stating that the council is actively seeking solutions and has been in discussions with the police chief and mayor. He emphasized the need for innovative approaches to address the problem, which he noted is not isolated to the plaza but is a citywide concern.

Councilor Fazio echoed these sentiments, urging residents to engage with state legislators to advocate for changes in laws that currently limit local responses to homelessness. He expressed frustration over the lack of protective measures for citizens and businesses, calling for a collective effort to address the issue.

The council also discussed ongoing efforts to improve public safety, including potential adjustments to nuisance laws and the establishment of a parks master plan, which has not been updated in over 15 years. Councilor Dursley encouraged community members to voice their concerns to local and county officials, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling the homelessness crisis.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the council is committed to finding solutions, but faces challenges that require both local action and support from higher levels of government. The discussions highlighted a growing urgency to address homelessness in a manner that ensures the safety and well-being of all community members.