AMARILLO, TEXAS -- One Amarillo resident has become concerned with the homeless community that is hanging around Ellwood Park, and says she would like the city commissioners, police and the community to do something about it.
Janet Taylor says she had the last straw when she found two homeless people sleeping in her backyard and taking care of their business around her home and nearby park.
"We have too many homeless people in this town for our per capita. I feel like we need to help those who want the help -- those who don't and choose to be on the streets we need to make Amarillo a place that's not quite such a wonderful place for them to live and stay," said Janet Taylor, Amarillo Resident.
Taylor suggested to city commissioners that taking away a privilege would detour some uncomfortable situations.
"Make a ban on open alcoholic containers at the park is my first goal and first step."
Banning booze is easier said than done.
"It would be very difficult to make it specific for one park. We got a lot of family get-togethers and reunions that take place throughout the entire city at all of our parks, so people go and they have a good time. As long as they're respectful of everybody and they cleanup after themselves -- it's all good. Just because we have a problem at one or two parks, I don't see them doing anything," said Corporal Jerry Nuefeld, Amarillo Police Department.
When it comes to public property -- it's fair game.
"It is still a public park and we got people that make other people uncomfortable for whatever reason it is -- still, just because you can go there you have that right just like they have that right and we need to remember that," said Corporal Nuefeld.
"A lot of the churches and good people meaning well feed the homeless, but at the same time that is making it a wonderful place for them to stay. If we don't make it quite so wonderful maybe they'll move onto the next city instead of staying here," said Taylor.
