COPLEY — With the summer months approaching, Copley Township officials are addressing an increase in homeless encampments in the township, particularly on the Walmart Supercenter property at 200 Rothrock Road.
Township trustees April 27 approved a $4,500 purchase order to Bio-One Inc. for the cleanup of potentially hazardous materials at abandoned encampments on the Walmart property. Trustees also discussed the township’s efforts, in cooperation with area homeless charities and Walmart officials, to coordinate the safe and respectful removal of tents and other items from the property.
Copley Police Chief Michael Mier said warmer weather and “dense foliage” in parts of the Walmart property in particular draw homeless people to the area. He said dealing with the situation is a challenge for law enforcement…