Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, January 18, 1994 TAG: 9401180182
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BONNIE V. WINSTON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
"Our local government wanted to protect you and others affiliated with the inauguration from seeing the reality of homelessness in our city," Wayne Swatlowski, executive director of Freedom House, told members of the legislature's money committees during a hearing on the proposed state budget.
"If I were a legislator, I would find this insulting to my intelligence," he said. "I'm confident none of you would have wanted the four men to be treated the way they were. We have elected you to address these issues."
Swatlowski said the squatters' village, on a city-owned triangle of land near the James River, was in view of a Norfolk Southern Corp. railroad car used to entertain legislators.
W. Bruce Wingo, resident vice president for the railroad company, said he didn't complain to the city about the site and was unaware of anyone in his company asking city officials to remove the enclave.
"It sounds like they're trying to come up with people to blame it on," Wingo said.
On Jan. 10, city work crews using front-end loaders scooped up the bedding and belongings of at least four men who had been living there. Some of their crates of donated food, sofas, blankets and clothing were hauled away, while some were dumped in a pile nearby.
The men, who remain on the spot, complained they were given no notice before the city acted.
Their plight has moved some residents to donate more food, clothing and wood for a barrel fire. The local branch of the American Civil Liberties Union has argued that the men's constitutional right to notification before having their property seized was violated.
Mayor Walter T. Kenney had reported the squatters' camp to the city's public works director two weeks ago after he passed it on a way to a meeting. But he said Monday that his report was not connected to the inaugural.
"Any time council persons and others observe a situation that they believe is a violation of health, environmental, maintenance or housing codes, they report it to the proper department," Kenney said. "But I have no knowledge of this being related to the inaugural."
He said the city offered the men emergency housing, but it was refused.
"What connection does Freedom House have to this?" Kenney asked. "Have they offered them shelter? That is the question."
The city has told the men they will be removed at 11 a.m. today and the site bulldozed. Swatlowski said Monday that advocates for the homeless will go to the site to stand in protest.
Swatlowski, who was seeking more money for state homeless programs, called on lawmakers to contact Kenney.
`Let [him] know that the next time you come to town, you don't want him to do this to homeless and defenseless people on your behalf," Swatlowski said.
by CNB