Downers Grove Commissioner Calls for Public Discussion of 'Homeless Issue'

Downers Grove Commissioner Bill Waldack is calling for more public discussion on homelessness and public drinking—issues he says are "ongoing concerns" of residents.

During the village's Sept. 18 business meeting, Waldack used the "new business" portion of the agenda to address concerns about homelessness in the Downers Grove, and—more specifically—public intoxication in the village's parks and train depots.

"There's been an ongoing situation ... and concern of residents over a number of years, and it has to do with the homeless, or street people, and alcohol," Waldack said. "It's been a long-time concern."

Citing a suggestion from a resident, Waldack called on the liquor commission to explore the possibility of a "six-pack ordinance," which would place unique restrictions on the sale of malt liquor, spirits and wine, and  prohibit the sale of beer in quantities fewer than six.

"I'd like to turn it over to the liquor commission to study and see if this is something we could do, and what effect it might have on businesses," Waldack said.

In an interview after the meeting, Waldack confirmed the suggestion came from a  In the Sept. 11 column, Cesare shared his views on homelessness in Downers Grove, as well as some of the behaviors he has witnessed in local parks. 

The following is an excerpt from the column:

Each month, the village council hosts an informal "Coffee with the Council" gathering where residents can share concerns about the community. I plan on attending and suggesting a "single service ordinance." It’s a law used in other communities that places unique restrictions on the sale of malt liquor, spirits and wine, and also prohibits the sale of beer “in quantities of not less than a six-pack.”

I say drain the well. Word will get around.

Waldack said he thought the idea was worth further exploration.

"I was merely asking if this is something we should be looking at, even if it's just to see what other communities are doing," he said. "There are many solutions offered by residents when it comes to public drinking, and I think we need to look at different options we might have. That doesn't mean we have to do it."

During the meeting, Commissioner Geoff Neustadt said the issue is not the village's liquor laws, but the people who are abusing alcohol in public areas.

"It's not the alcohol, it's the drinker that gets us into problem," Neustadt said. "I think there's a lot of conversation to be had there, but there are bigger issues at hand ... about enforcement, about residents and non-residents using parks and facilities ... being on the street in an inappropriate manner. (Whether) it's a six-pack or a single can of beer, there are always folks abusing alcohol, drugs and whatever else may be out there."

Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully said he believes the issue is behavioral, and therefore difficult to regulate.

"I think it's an attempt to regulate certain behavior in a remote way that doesn't get at the real issue," Tully said of the six-pack suggestion. "The issue that has come up is something that's a high priority for village. Discussion has taken place on how to address the behavior issue pointed out by the community."

Tully also said the behavior issues are not attributable to specific groups of people, and that Downers Grove police have taken steps to increase enforcement in certain areas.

Despite any steps taken by the police department or other public entities, there is still a concern in the village that needs to be addressed, Waldack said.

"Whatever the community is doing, the public perception is that it isn't working to their satisfaction," Waldack said. "Maybe the residents need know what we're doing as a community; maybe need to take constructive suggestions. I think we need a plan that coordinates across all entities. It's not just a village government problem, it's not just a library problem, it's not just downtown management problem."

Waldack suggested public meetings between public agencies and residents that could ultimately result in a "comprehensive approach to the problem."

"This is an age-old problem. It's something that has been going on for centuries all over world," Waldack said. "There's no real solution, but I think we can do better."

The homeless population in Downers Grove is often attributed to the proximity to public transportation, such as the Metra, as well as the presence of homeless shelters, Waldack said.

The Wheaton-based Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS), offers three homeless shelters in Downers Grove—at First Congregational Church, First United Methodist Church and St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church—which alternate accommodations on Monday, Tuesday and Friday nights from October through May. PADS provides clients with dinner, breakfast, often a bag lunch, and sleeping space. Some locations even have showers and laundry facilities.

Because the shelters are only open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., some individuals spend the daytime hours in various public parks, the library or local businesses.

"I'm not suggesting we run these people out of town, but there are individuals causing problems during the day," Waldack said. "I would like to see more public discussion on things we can do to help them, and to address the concerns of residents."

Tully said he isn't opposed to further discussion, but the issue—at present—is still too undefined.

"I have a real problem with classifying individuals based on the behavior we're seeing. It has to be about behavior, not people," Tully said. "I am always willing to discuss residents' concerns, but I think we need to define the issue before holding any sort of public forum."

Waldack said he believes the concerns about homelessness in Downers Grove will "keep coming up every so often" if the community doesn't take a more proactive approach.

"This is something I hear from residents all the time, and I don't believe that's going to change," he said.

Related Stories:

• Homeless in the Suburbs: Finding Shelter

• Homeless in the Suburbs: Families are a Growing Segment

• Homeless in the Suburbs: Officials Respond to Concerns

• Homeless in the Suburbs: What I've Learned

• Homeless in the Suburbs: A Continuing Problem

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