Monday, April 25, 2016

The grumbling continues about loitering issues in downtown Lake Worth. So. . . what did Delray Beach do about their problem?

[Please Note: If the issue of sober homes is important to you, then contact your elected representative(s) and tell them about this meeting happening soon.]

Below are two excerpts from this article by the Post's Christine Stapleton titled, "Addiction treatment backlash: No outdoor seating at Delray Starbucks":

     "Starbucks has closed the outdoor patio at one of its stores on Atlantic Avenue and police have assigned an officer to the corner in response to complaints — especially on social media — that young, recovering drug addicts are loitering and harassing passersby.
     The decision to close the outdoor seating area Tuesday came after a meeting between the city, police department and district manager of Starbucks, said Jamael Stewart, the city’s downtown manager. Starbucks did not return calls and emails for comment."

[and. . .]

     “I don’t think anybody would have a problem with any of the kids if they were acting as customers of Starbucks should act,” said Bill Bathurst, a Realtor and lifelong resident of Delray Beach. “The reason they are there isn’t to get a cup of coffee.”