In Newark, New Jersey, a recent move to install a fence around Peter Francisco Park has ignited a heated debate within the community. The fence, erected under the direction of Council Member Michael Silva, who is also a member of the Ironbound Business Development District, has been both praised and criticized for its impact on local businesses, public safety, and the rights of the homeless population.
Business Owners Applaud the Move
Local business owners in the Ironbound neighborhood, particularly those near the park, have expressed strong support for the installation of the fence. The park, located on Ferry Street in Newark, had long been a gathering spot for the homeless, who used the area not only as a place to sleep but also as an outdoor restroom. Business owners and patrons of nearby establishments had grown increasingly concerned about safety and sanitation issues.
One business owner noted that customers, including people of all ages, felt uncomfortable and unsafe due to the presence of the homeless population in and around the park. The owner explained that the fence has made a noticeable difference in the area, allowing patrons to feel more secure when visiting the nearby Zuni Language School and other businesses.
Homelessness Advocates Condemn the Fencing
However, the decision to fence off Peter Francisco Park has drawn sharp criticism from homelessness advocates, who argue that the move is both inhumane and unconstitutional. Jeffrey Wild, a trustee with the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness, has been vocal in his opposition to the fence. Wild argues that the fence does nothing to address the root causes of homelessness and merely pushes the problem into other areas of the city.
According to Wild, removing people from public land without providing them with alternative options is a violation of their constitutional rights. He emphasizes that it is not a crime to be homeless, nor is it criminal to sleep outside when there are no other options available. Wild’s organization believes that the fence infringes on the rights of taxpayers and that the public should have access to public spaces like Peter Francisco Park.
The Broader Impact on the Homeless Community
The installation of the fence has not solved the problem of homelessness in Newark. Instead, it has simply displaced the homeless population to other areas, including Newark Penn Station and two nearby parks. Local residents and business owners have observed that the homeless individuals who once congregated in Peter Francisco Park now move between different locations depending on where law enforcement is present.
One resident likened the situation to a game of cat and mouse, where the homeless are constantly on the move to avoid police presence.
This displacement has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the fence as a solution to homelessness in the city. While it may have improved conditions in the immediate vicinity of Peter Francisco Park, it has also created new challenges in other parts of Newark.
A Symbol of Division in the Community
Peter Francisco Park, named after a Portuguese-American Revolutionary War hero, holds symbolic significance in the Ironbound neighborhood, which is known for its large Portuguese community. The fence, intended to protect the park’s monuments and maintain the area’s cultural pride, has instead become a symbol of division within the community.
On one side are those who believe the fence is necessary for public safety and the preservation of the park, while on the other are those who view it as an exclusionary measure that violates the rights of the homeless and the broader public.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness has hinted at the possibility of legal action against the city or the Ironbound Business Development District, though no lawsuit has been filed as of yet. The situation raises important questions about the responsibilities of local governments and business districts in addressing homelessness, as well as the ethical implications of restricting access to public spaces.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the fence will remain in place or if a more comprehensive solution to homelessness in Newark will be pursued. For now, Peter Francisco Park stands as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing cities across the United States as they grapple with the complex issue of homelessness and the balance between public safety and individual rights.
