The mayor of Casper, Wyoming, Bruce Knell, has raised concerns about the increasing homeless population in the city, which he claims is causing significant damage and wreaking havoc.
Casper, the second-largest city in Wyoming, is home to around 60,000 residents. However, Mayor Knell asserts that approximately 200 homeless individuals have recently migrated to the city, resulting in millions of dollars in damages, particularly at a vacant motel.
Last November, severe flooding occurred at an Econo Lodge in Casper due to frozen and burst pipes. The first floor of the 300-room motel was submerged in water, leading to the condemnation of the building.
Despite efforts to secure the property, homeless vagrants managed to break in, causing further destruction. Mayor Knell expressed his dismay, stating, "They destroyed everything... You cannot wrap your head around what happened to that hotel."
The homeless population has not only caused extensive damage to the vacant motel but has also created other problems for the city. Mayor Knell reported that city staff have had to clean up approximately 500 pounds of human waste deposited in downtown Casper. Local parks and bike paths have also been affected by the presence of vagrants. Mayor Knell described the situation as "third-world-country stuff happening in Casper, Wyoming."
Despite the significant damage caused by the homeless population, Mayor Knell emphasized that litigation and arrests alone cannot solve the problem, as being homeless is not illegal.
However, many of the behaviors associated with homelessness are illegal, prompting the mayor to propose new measures to address these issues. Some of the proposed measures include requiring authorization from property owners for squatters and imposing time limits on their stay, even with permission.
Mayor Knell stated, "Our police need some teeth to start dealing with the squatting... They're just causing so many problems." Additionally, a significant portion of Casper's homeless population suffers from mental illness and addiction, which prevents them from seeking temporary residence at the Wyoming Rescue Mission, the city's homeless shelter. Mayor Knell acknowledged that some homeless individuals refuse to conform to societal rules, leading to disruptive behavior within the community.
The growing homeless problem has sparked frustration among city residents. To address these concerns, the city council established the Homeless Coalition last summer. This coalition, comprised of local leaders, aims to examine the issue more closely and propose solutions. In June, the coalition presented some of its findings, which included recommendations such as issuing administrative warrants, conducting clean-ups, and demolishing abandoned buildings.
The city's response to homelessness seeks to understand and alleviate the suffering of homeless individuals while minimizing the negative impacts on public spaces, commerce, and the city as a whole.
As Casper grapples with the challenges posed by the rising homeless population, Mayor Knell and the city council are working towards implementing measures that address the issue effectively and ensure the well-being of both the homeless and the community.
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