City To ‘Combat The Antisocial & Illegal Activity’
The City of Hamilton said they are “set to take action to combat the antisocial and illegal activity that has long-plagued certain areas in the City.”
A City spokesperson said, “The situation is a dire one. Here at the City, we are exploring a menu of options, one of which includes removing obstructions that unwittingly provide cover for illegal activity. We want to increase visibility in the areas that are affected.
“Based on community concerns several areas have to be looked at and steps need to be taken so that they are viable spaces for people to enjoy. Areas are being overtaken by individuals with an alternate agenda.
“The City is working with our community partners to see what we can do to reengage our community spaces. Over the next few weeks we will be making some temporary changes as well as long term changes to see what can be done to maximize the positive uses of our public spaces.”
“The City has identified areas on Front Street in the area east of the flag pole, Queen Elizabeth Park, Court Street and City Hall as areas of extreme concern.
“The City has engaged extra-duty police offers, resourced additional CCTV cameras and is avidly working with the Bermuda Police Service to bring about much-needed change to the on-going trend of anti-social and illegal behavior within the boundaries of Hamilton.”
Should add Parliament House and The Senate building; all sorts of bad characters hanging around there.
How about removing those individuals who sleep in doorways and on benches that were put there for people visiting Hamilton. The Police if any, ignore them. I don’t wanna here the excuse that ‘oh the Police can’t be everywhere’ that song is old. Because they are always around to stick a ticket on your vehicle.
Where do you suggest removing them to and on what basis?
Being homeless is not an offence and I’m pretty sure there is a law that says the Police cannot arrest and detain someone because they look or smell bad.
As for sleeping on benches, the homeless have the same right to each bench in Hamilton as I do.
Sounds like an opportunity.
Hoping this includes lighting for dark section of the city. Lighting is quite poor:
Court street north- between Victoria Street and Front Street
Church street west – between Par-la-ville road and Queen street
Bermudianna Road (whole road)
Victoria Street – between King Street and Parliament Street
Cedar Avenue
Parliament Street
I’m sure there are others…
In addition, safer sidewalks. The sidewalk on Victoria Street outside of Harboulight is EXTREMELY dangerous for everyone. The trees roots have made the sidewalks terribly uneven.
The COH have put more benches around the city which has caused negative elements to congregate throughout the day.