LANSING, (Mich.) WLNS — A hearth behind a neighborhood restaurant has its proprietor asking the town for assist.
The proprietor of Piazzano’s, a pizzeria in Lansing, says a close-by homeless encampment has brought on repeated points, together with a fireplace within the encampment Monday night time. However, he is fearful there isn’t any straightforward repair.
Homeless camp behind Piazzano’s (WLNS)
Paul Brown owns the restaurant and says Piazzano’s is like his child; he is aware of it inside and outside, from the car parking zone to the bogs, and he inspects it each day, protecting it clear and welcoming.
Nevertheless, Brown says that it has been made tougher by a homeless encampment close by, with tents and even RVs on a property behind his.
“A few guys come in, and they’ll order food, not pay for it, and leave. They know that nothing’s gonna happen to them,” stated Brown.
Brown remembers individuals refusing to pay for meals three or 4 instances within the final couple of months, and says simply final week, police needed to be referred to as for a dispute between members of the encampment.
However Brown says there is a deeper downside. He is involved about potential drug use and overdoses on the camp.
“It really hasn’t affected the business in a negative way,” stated Brown. “But, as a human, these people need help. How much longer does this need to go on before somebody, or more people, are hurt, and we do something about this?”
He thinks the underlying concern is that of homelessness and drug abuse in Lansing, and needs to see the individuals on this encampment get the assistance they want.
“The drugs are a massive problem back here, and the traffic that happens after hours, it just doesn’t stop. We need to come together as a community and find a way to get medical attention to some of these people and get them housing,” stated Brown.
And he needs the group to have a look at homeless individuals as individuals who need assistance.
“They should actually look at it,” stated Brown. “Don’t drive by and turn your head the other direction, don’t talk about it. Don’t come here and show your kids what it’s like to live like this— get together as a community and try to find a solution for this.”
