Storing property of homeless and a needle count are taken up as issues by Somerville councilors
Issues around public drug use and homelessness in Davis Square got attention Thursday from Somerville’s City Council after frustrations were discussed in the previous weeks at a city-run public meeting and a meeting of concerned residents.
City administrators were asked to compile data on hypodermic needles collected by city staff, explore providing storage for unhoused people’s belongings and clarify the processes behind removing abandoned items. The three resolutions were filed by by Ward 6 councilor Lance Davis and councilor at-large Kristen Strezo. Councilor Jake Wilson, a mayoral candidate, signed on to co-sponsor the resolutions.
“The administration needs a plan” and to explain the processes that balance helping the homeless with keeping residents feeling safe and “that the city is listening to them and responding,” Strezo said in a phone call…