COURT HOUSE – James Chew, a Middle Township resident and advocate for the county homeless, engaged in an exchange with Mayor Timothy Donohue at the June 5 Middle Township Committee meeting.
Chew frequently uses the public comment period at committee meetings to call for more attention to issues involving the homeless. This time, Chew was speaking to the township’s willingness to place porta potties for pickleball players “but not for the homeless.”
Donohue expressed admiration for Chew’s dedication to homeless issues but said the township “must and will” act to protect property rights and businesses.
Donohue said the township does what it can for the homeless, but added, “We will do what we need to do” to protect all citizens. He stressed the importance of public safety issues, as well.
This discussion came in advance of a public hearing on an ordinance regulating temporary structures such as tents. The township has called the ordinance a “vital tool” to address homeless encampments in Rio Grande.
The public hearing on the ordinance and a vote on possible adoption is scheduled for the committee meeting June 19.
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