urbanSTL

Downtown2007 wrote:Did you stand your ground?

I walked away because I didn't want scolding hot chili thrown in my face. Hot foods shouldn't be served in the park if the homeless are going to use it as weapons to threaten innocent people with. I suggest that they serve soft slices of bread and cold drinks in styrofoam cups instead. Due to past cases of food poisoning, meat shouldn't be served. Peanut butter sandwiches are a good safe choice. Eating utensils, such as forks and knives, should never be given to them. Plastic sandwich bags can suffocate, so the sandwiches should be served on paper napkins.

You should have called the Cops.

Downtown2007 wrote:You should have called the Cops.

Exactly.



People are good at complaining but bad at doing.

Wow - this makes the proposed BBQ interesting. I think it's a good thing. Once people start using the park AND calling attention to the problems there will be a response.

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:

Resurrectus wrote:I was taking pictures of the neighborhood this afternoon. When I took the picture below, this nasty hobo ran up to me and shouted, "Hey! You need to get my permission before you take a picture!" I replied, "This is a public park." He got in my face and shouted, "Take a picture again, and I throw this hot chili in your face, fag!" This is one more reason why food shouldn't be handed out in the park.

I think I may wander over there someday with a camera and a baseball bat. Then we'll see who gets in my face.

Good luck. Just look for the hobo that I have pictured (who will probably be wearing the same clothes).



In hindsight, I should have quickly switched my digital camera to record video. I probably could've recorded video without him realizing it.



I should start carrying my phone (with the phone number of the police programmed into it) at all times just in case I need to call the police. If I photograph urinators, they may threaten me.

Just call 911 and report it as a non emergency. The only way we can limiy yhis kind on behavior is to take action.



BTW...count me in for the BBQ.

Shimmy wrote:^So, is this going to be more than talk this time? I actually might find time to go if this is for real.

Same here. With this plan and those of us waiting to view the demolition of the St. Louis Centre skybridge first hand, we could have a couple of great forum meets in the coming months.

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:

Resurrectus wrote:I was taking pictures of the neighborhood this afternoon. When I took the picture below, this nasty hobo ran up to me and shouted, "Hey! You need to get my permission before you take a picture!" I replied, "This is a public park." He got in my face and shouted, "Take a picture again, and I throw this hot chili in your face, fag!" This is one more reason why food shouldn't be handed out in the park.

I think I may wander over there someday with a camera and a baseball bat. Then we'll see who gets in my face.

You need a baseball bat?!?

Maybe we can invite Steve Chamraz?

Downtown2007 wrote:I am also trying to take pictures of these vans parked around here serving food to them so I can investigate where they are coming from.

Do you think that the police will actually investigate if we took pictures of the license plates of the vehicles dumping food?



I think that I'm through taking pictures for a while. There were too many hobos asking stupid questions (when I took the pictures below) and then asking for change. I said to one, "No, I don't carry money. I pay for everything with my Visa," and then he replied, "Can you get cash back on that?" I avoided getting any pictures of the hobos, but then they kept on asking, "Did ya take a picture of me? Why'd ya take a picture of me?" I just said that I was taking pictures of the statues below the benches.



This is what the park looks like after the food dumping:

I am not sure the police will. Maybe if we notify city hall or some other organizations something can be done.



Those pictures are depressing.

^^Oh, that is where I left my jacket! I was so ecstatic about my drink and sandwich, especially after I tore the crusts off and threw them on the ground, that I forgot all about it. I hope the camera that I took from some skinny, pasty lookin' white boy taking pictures in the park is still in the pocket.

We should pack all that trash into bags and empty it on the front steps of whatever organization insists on doing these feedings.

So it sound's like the homeless people don't like having their picture taken. What if we all hang out with our cameras taking pictures of them?

Framer wrote:We should pack all that trash into bags and empty it on the front steps of whatever organization insists on doing these feedings.

I'll help, and I'll even drive out to O'Fallon.

Sounds like a great spot for a regular photography club meeting. You can walk any direction for great views anyway!

Maybe an announcement in the photo thread?

We should pack all that trash into bags and empty it on the front steps of whatever organization insists on doing these feedings.

GREAT idea. We should follow these vans back to whatever church or other organization they're coming from and dump the garbage on their doorstep! I can't WAIT to see who these people are!

Open the soup kitchen in YOUR neighborhood, you're contributing to the decline of someone else's.

So when are we meeting up? I am up for any weekend! Il bring my camera also.

jlblues wrote:

Framer wrote:We should pack all that trash into bags and empty it on the front steps of whatever organization insists on doing these feedings.

I'll help, and I'll even drive out to O'Fallon.

Yesterday (Saturday) it was an unmarked maroon minivan dumping food. Today (Sunday) it's three different white vans than last week, and one was marked Faith Apostolistic Church of the Living God. They're getting the hobos to sing "Amazing Grace" over and over.

If nothing else - Lucas Park cannot be used as a foodcourt!!!!!! I don't really mind someone driving in and giving out food, just don't spoil the park while you're at it. It seems like there are some things brewing with the park, can't wait for the action!

Are there established "pantries" that the homeless can go to eat? Can the city open a shelter for eating? The pics posted showed how disgusting the situation is. The homeless are already in a degraded state of mind, hence do not understand the aesthetics or the need for cleanliness.



There is no need blaming the people feeding the homeless. They "think" they are doing the right thing, without realizing the effect. Educating these churches is not going to help, cause in their mind they are doing the work of God. What might help is if they made the homeless work (like cleaning the park) for it.