I participated on City Council with the mayor and other entities to see the Riverwalk at Head of Falls go from a vision to a reality. It is a beautiful spot, where families stroll, look out over the water and the historic Two Cent Bridge. Months ago, all walks of life crowded the Riverwalk for concerts, the Taste of Waterville and farmer’s markets.

In city politics, an idea was hastily brought forth at the end of the last meeting to purchase yurts for the homeless to be placed in that area. I am cautious; speaking against anything regarding the homeless will draw the “you have no compassion” response. I spent 44 years in careers bettering life for people. The Riverwalk is the wrong place for yurts. I believe the data shows that: Almost 75% of the homeless in Waterville are not from Waterville; the majority of homeless not in the shelter refuse outside services; and neighboring communities send their homeless to Waterville, yet offer no financial assistance.

I welcome authorities to give Waterville residents these facts before coming to any decision. At times, city governments try to rush plans through. Look for another place for your yurts. There is land near the homeless shelter and fields away from downtown. For those that respond that the homeless need to be downtown, remember, most refuse outside services and public transportation is available.

The Alfond Foundation and the Waterville Rotary amazingly funded the Riverwalk. At no time was it suggested to be a homeless encampment. Not spending granted money as promised is a guarantee that funders will disappear.

Please email your city council or leave them a phone message, listed on the city homepage. If not, you could be spending your next walk with your family making your grandchildren look away from the sights.

 

Steve Soule

Waterville

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