Having lived in Vermont for over 30 years, I have seen Burlington and other areas decay. Most of it is from gang activity and the homeless.
I first saw it when I was living in Essex Junction in 2002. Sections of Church Street, the town park, and the side street by the bus stop were no longer safe.
I understand that our state’s most vulnerable and gang members are human and need help, but they have no right to ruin a great city. They must no longer be allowed to sleep on park benches, abuse shoppers, scare people, and conduct illegal activities. Criminals should be arrested, and the homeless could be housed.
Deal with it now, or Burlington will continue its slide into further decay. If someone chooses to be homeless, fine. But they should be given a place to sleep away from the downtown, where workers, families, college students, and individuals congregate.
Being a progressive city doesn’t mean that homeless people and criminals have a right to destroy it.
Donald R. Keagy
Queensbury, N.Y.
