Community Greening and the Homeless

**&* C* <j*@casagarden.com>**

OK.  Here is an issue that will probably generate alot of viewpoints
(hopefully positive).

About 5 years ago, our Senior Center spent 55K to have a beautiful gazebo
and very intensive
landscaping installed.  The gazebo provides a relaxing place for the seniors
and in the summertime,
concerts are staged in it. A great asset for the center.

The Senior Center administration is now considering removing most of the
landscaping because the
homeless are sleeping in various plantings (pampas grass, etc.).  They are
continuing to find empty
wine and other alcoholic beverages containers and litter in the area.  It
seems the homeless probably
use the gazabo during the late hours (when the center is closed) and sleep
it off in the bushes.

This is not a fenced in or protective area.

My solution to them is too heavily trim the shrubs (where possible)
especially raising them off the ground
and to try to provide more lighting in this area.  A fence is not feasible
at this time.

There is a Homeless Shelter within 3 miles of this area with plenty of space
available.

I never thought a landscape architect would have to consider issues such as
this when designing a landscape.

Your thoughts.

Jim,  Huntsville Alabama

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