Shore town seeks to close encampment of homeless
Steve Brigham, who founded the encampment in Ocean County and who works with its homeless residents, told the Asbury Park Press authorities initially told him they would impose daily fines of $1,000 for each of the site's 100 tents and 80 wood-burning stoves.
But authorities have now informed Brigham they will come in Wednesday and disassemble the camp if the tents have not already been taken down. The cost of that work will be passed along to Brigham and other camp leaders.
Township officials confirmed the notices were sent. They cited health and sanitary issues at the site, as well as complaints from neighbors.
"I was in Tent City, and it was disgusting - horrendous living conditions," Mayor Albert Akerman told the newspaper. "Something has to be done."
Brigham said camp leaders would challenge the summonses, which he said were part of the township's increasing harassment of the encampment. Brigham also claimed the summonses violate a court order barring camp residents from being moved unless alternative living arrangements are made.
"They want us to pay . . . to have a tent here," Brigham said. "But they have nowhere for us to go."
Township Committeeman Raymond Coles said Brigham had not abided by the agreement, contending that the camp founder was recruiting more people for the camp.
Brigham hopes camp residents will be moved to a commune-like setting on the water where they can get the help they need and tools to sustain themselves while learning skills that would help them find jobs.
Coles said he preferred putting the homeless into housing where they would get help to become productive.
