Township hears complaints about homeless

STURGIS TWP. - Several Sturgis Township residents brought to the township board Monday concerns of increasing encounters with homeless people trespassing on private property or disturbing the peace.

In the end, the township board said there is little they can do if the complaints fall outside township-owned property.

Jackie Persing said police are called to address trespassing or loitering complaints, but law enforcement "seldom" respond.

"I am not used to having police who won't buck up and show up," she said.

Treasurer Zeta Metzger said she was aware a number of homeless camped behind a dumpster at the Taco Bell along South Centerville Road were allegedly becoming more brazen with customers and causing scenes demanding money, but the township's hands are tied on what they can do.

"We can't do anything," Metzger said. "The property owner is the one to call" in a complaint about trespassers or squatters.

"You and I can call it in all the day long, but the police won't come out," she said.

A growing homeless camp on a partially overgrown lot behind the Taco Bell had become problematic with customers. The lot itself is owned by Regency Properties, which also oversees the nearby Sturgis Plaza. Once the management was notified of the camp, it took steps to have the people living there evicted and the lot cleaned up. The land since is being regularly maintained, while those setting up tents and makeshift shelters have moved on to other nearby places.

Supervisor Von Metzger said while the board is empathetic to the situation, "we are aware of resources available to the homeless, and many of them don't want it. They're happy doing what they do." Area churches, nonprofits and other organizations have taken on the task of assisting or empowering those displaced and in need of services.

Todd Penner told the board he, too, has noticed an increase of people accessing private property and simply refusing to leave when directed by homeowners. He said he called police in an attempt to get help in ejecting an apparent homeless person off his property.

"It's a growing problem," he said.

Von Metzger said he understands the frustration people are having with perceived indifference by police in enforcing trespassing complaints and the eventual return of the homeless to locations.

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"We see it everywhere," he said. "Taco Bell, Biggby, VFW; every time (police) push them out, they set up somewhere else and it starts again."

"We can't do anything about (trespassing), but what is coming up is a sheriff's race," Von Metzger said. He encouraged the members of the audience to research a candidate whom they feel will listen to and will act on concerns to their satisfaction.

In other business, the township board approved in a 4-0 vote a $1,000 contribution toward the Sturgis Fest fireworks program.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Sturgis Township hears complaints about homeless