MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A new angle of concern around Marquette’s homeless population made an appearance to the city commission Monday evening.
Several people came forward for comments about a list of public indecencies and inappropriate uses of the multi-use path behind the Room at the Inn. (RATI) This included residents of Snowberry Heights Senior Living Center, current residents of the warming shelter, and staff from the BP gas station located next to the RATI.
“I won’t sit outside at night, when it’s dark I come in because I’m afraid,” explained a Snowberry Heights resident. “This is not the same Snowberry I moved into in 2011.”
“It’s getting very tiring calling and reporting this stuff every day for nothing to get done,” said BP staff member.
City Manager Karen Kovacs says numerous similar concerns have been brought to the commission, but this was the first time members of the Snowberry Heights, located just behind the shelter, publicly made their voices heard.
“I’m grateful that they shared their thoughts, it’s not an easy thing to come up here and say some of the things being said,” she explained. “We want a safe community for everyone, including those that are unsheltered as well.”
Kovacs says a next step in the area’s homeless concern needs to focus on proper mental health resources in the Upper Peninsula. As officials look to document situaions of this population of Marquette, the city reminds residents and visitors they can call the police department’s non-emergency line at (906) 228-0400 to report any complaints.
