Sad that the people of this city that some claim is improving are so poor. Maybe they will end up at a certain church in Niskayuna for a week
Yes, the city is improving for the rich political cronies of the mayor, but for the average person, just what are they getting in return?
Quoted Text
Worried about people at busy intersection
For several months now when driving home from work, I have witnessed individuals standing on the side of the road at the end of the Exit 4 ramp off I-890 West across from SCCC, often times at dusk, asking commuters for money as they wait for the traffic light.
While it saddens me to know that a person’s circumstances can be that desperate, I am also disturbed that this is allowed to take place at such a busy intersection on a daily basis. When I expressed my concern for the safety of these individuals, as well as the distraction to drivers, I was told by the Schenectady City Police Department that it is not illegal for these persons to “panhandle” at that location and nothing can be done to prohibit it.
Now, I will admit I have never given these individuals money, but I can assure you I am not heartless, since on one occasion on a frigid day in January I gave my gloves to a young woman who was standing there, inappropriately dressed for the weather, for which she seemed grateful. In addition, I am a regular supporter of the Schenectady Inner City Mission through my church and am aware there are several worthwhile organizations and programs that provide resources for the unfortunate homeless in our community.
So what can be done to prevent this unsafe and distracting situation? I’m not sure there is an answer. However, I think the next time I see someone standing there, I will hand them a listing of places where they can go in Schenectady to get food, shelter and warm clothing.
DEBORAH ELLIOT Glenville
Police can't prohibit it? What happens when someone loses their life because of this, whether the driver or the pandhandler? Mayor and his buddies need to take care of the people of the city who pay the taxes instead of stealing from them to give it to the rich.
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
Sad that the people of this city that some claim is improving are so poor. Maybe they will end up at a certain church in Niskayuna for a week
Yes, the city is improving for the rich political cronies of the mayor, but for the average person, just what are they getting in return?
Police can't prohibit it? What happens when someone loses their life because of this, whether the driver or the pandhandler? Mayor and his buddies need to take care of the people of the city who pay the taxes instead of stealing from them to give it to the rich.
If they are not in a marked crosswalk, you would think they could cited for jaywalking...
"Arguing with liberals is like playing chess with a pigeon; no matter how good I am at chess, the pigeon is just going to knock out the pieces, crap on the board, and strut around like it is victorious." - Author Unknown
I drive by there just about everyday. They are standing on the shoulder, adjacent the road divider. They are not in the roadway, so they have a right to stand there. And,the Supreme Court ruled that panhandling is protected under the 1st Amendment. Like it or not, there is nothing the police can do as long as they stay out of the roadway and do not impede traffic.
Logged
