Ashtabula business owners voice concerns about growing homeless population

ASHTABULA, Ohio (WOIO) – Local business owners on Main Avenue in Ashtabula voiced their concerns about the growing homeless population in the city.

They say they are concerned for their own and their customers safety.

“Main Avenue has gotten so bad and out of control,” says Christy Tobias, Owner of Christy Tobias Hair Salon.

Tobias addressed her concerns in front of City Council. She says the issues she sees on Main Avenue are growing.

“I have witnessed people living at the gazebo with mattresses, queen size mattresses that have been there for a week and never said anything,” says Tobias.

One time, Tobias says she saw a lady walking down the street holding a knife.

“She was screaming about going after somebody. I called the police because it was in front of my business and I was told people are allowed to walk around with knives,” says Tobias.

Stacey Stevenson, who owns The Bakery On Main, says there are encampments set up in front of her shop.

“Something City Council can tackle is what we can do when someone does put a box up under a business awning with a mattress and is actively fornicating with someone in it,” says Stevenson.

19 News has reached out to Ashtabula Police. They said that their officers are doing what they can.

They also shared that half of the jail is filled with arrest from incidents like this.

City Councilwoman, Jane DiGiacomo says the City Manager and the Police Chief are working on a plan, which includes more patrols on Main Avenue.

“In the summer we had a dedicated police officer walking the beat. That program ended and we have had a rise in the homeless population harassing people, so I believe we are going to get back to that program,” says DiGiacomo.

She says she does hear the business owners and feels bad for them, because she wants to see her city thrive.

“I think it is the perception that you know if you are running a business, you want your customers to come to your business and leave your business without being harassed,” says DiGiacomo.

She says the City is enacting new legislation so that police can do more.

“It is not okay that you sleep on the sidewalk. It is not okay that you sleep in a park. It is just not okay. Many communities are enacting that all over,” says DiGiagcomo.

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