Real dilemma

Regarding “Violence escalates at homeless camp” (Page A3, Thursday), everyday we hear, see or read something regarding homeless persons and marked unsanitary conditions and crime associated with encampments under our bridges and overpasses.

Additionally, at major highway intersections drivers, invariably, encounter panhandlers seeking money. These situations in themselves can be dangerous for both panhandler and driver. Police often have to patrol excessively in such areas. Sanitation personnel often are called to clean up sites of such encampments. And it all costs additional money that the city could easily spend elsewhere.

A solution to this dilemma would be to build tall chain-link-fences that completely fence-out anyone who doesn’t belong under bridges and overpasses. Doors with locked gates would allow city workers, maintenance, police entry.

This clearing effort could be started at a few locations and move, continuously, across the city until these hazardous sites are eliminated. This clearing effort should be accommodated by simultaneous, methodical arrests of panhandlers from city street corners. Such would impair potential new encampments. Continuing this wave of elimination and control across our city would make it safer and cleaner for all residents. Steven G. Stoops, Houston