August 14th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

The plight of the homeless and how they are affecting Cumberland, specifically the downtown area, was discussed this week during a downtown stakeholder meeting.  John Buchanan of CBIZ said that he noticed someone was sleeping in front of the synagogue on South Centre Street and questioned what the city could be doing to address these increasing situations in the wake of the downtown’s redesign…

City Council member Lauri Marchini said the city has been working on addressing the subject of the homeless for a long time, but it is difficult…

Sandi Saville replied that what the City can and can’t do is a sensitive area.  Overall, the rights of the homeless have been upheld in court.  She mentioned local incidences where the ACLU has come to the aid of homeless citizens and that they are prepared to defend their rights…