For the past many weeks, I have been reaching out to Briana Dickerson relating to a homeless issue I am having at my place of business. The address in question is 11 S. Jefferson St, Roanoke VA 24011. I utilize this address for my primary business and I also have three AIRBNB units on the top floors.
On the Salem Ave side of the street we routinely have 20-30 homeless individuals congregate and camp on weekends. There are drugs in plain view, open containers of alcohol, and various other illegalities taking place. I have made many attempts to call the officers and when I do – the officers are usually successful in dispatching the crowd. Nonetheless – why should I need to call? They are clearly engaging in illegal activities, trespassing, and do so in plain view? Why does it take a call from the public – for officers to enforce existing laws? Is one supposed to believe the officers just don’t notice 30 homeless people with open beer cans on the side of a building in the middle of Downtown?
I have lost employees because they are tired of being harrassed by this group. I have lost customers and revenue (AIRBNB) because my guests don’t feel safe.
When is the City going to prioritize the safety and well-being of its taxpayers instead of pandering to the homeless population and the liberal politicians who seemingly want this situation to expand and worsen?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Enforcement of existing laws is even better.
Jason Roggensee — Roanoke