Pottstown To Clear Out Homeless Encampments Along Schuylkill River
POTTSTOWN, PA — Pottstown will clean out the homeless encampments along the Schuylkill River in a month, the borough announced this week, drawing sharp criticism from advocacy groups who say its the latest instance of an unsustainable response from local government to a long running crisis.
The encampments, including tents and other structures, are located along Keystone Boulevard and fall within a FEMA-designated flood zone, officials said.
“Our commitment is to ensure the safety, cleanliness, and an obstructed floodway in this area,” the borough said in a statement. “This necessitates the removal of hazardous debris and unauthorized structures, all in the pursuit of safeguarding public health and safety while connecting those affected with available resources and assistance.”
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Critics say that the move offers no real solutions and only serves as another roadblock for individuals facing serious issues.
“Again, shuffling people around does not help the situation,” the Montco 30 Percent Project said in response to the announcement. “People lose vital belongings, such as prescriptions and identification documents. The justification of public safety and being situated in a flood zone is Orwellian nonsense.”
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The borough insists that the area has flooded on three separate in occasions in recent years, and individuals living in the area had to be rescued.
The announcement issued this week effectively serves as a 30 day notice for those living in that area to leave. Pottstown said they’re working with Montgomery County to provide “every available resource” for those in need, but advocates of the homeless say it’s not enough.
“If the county continues to pass out tents, WHERE can people camp and not be bothered?” the Montco 30 Percent Project added.
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