SKOWHEGAN, Maine (AP) — Neighbors in a central Maine town are upset that a landowner who can't build on his quarter-acre parcel has opened up his land as a "nature park" for the homeless.
An 84-year-old homeless man and his Rottweiler have set up camp on the property on Coburn Avenue in Skowhegan, a quiet residential street near downtown. A banner says, "Nature Park, Nature Trails for the Homeless People of Somerset County."
Neighbors tell the Morning Sentinel the neighborhood is inappropriate for a homeless encampment. They say landowner Bruce Obert, of Norridgewock, is miffed that zoning laws bar him from building on the land.
Obert says since he can't build, he decided to turn his property into a park for the homeless, complete with a picnic table and portable toilet.
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Information from: Morning Sentinel, http://www.onlinesentinel.com/
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Tent City...coming to a town
Tent City...coming to a town near you.
Welcome to Skowtown.
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made for toileting and sanitation... sounds like a good idea to me. The reality is we do have homelessness in our state. Perhaps if people have to witness it they will be more compelled to address it.
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.Hey, at least he's giving them a toilet.
As to taking in an 84-year-old homeless man, good luck with that. I know I'm not supposed to say this but a lot of people are homeless because they want to be. There is a reason this man sleeps outdoors with a gig mean dog. I don't know what the reason is, but it's valid to him, I'm sure.
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.Why a gig mean dog?
because it's a Rottie it has to be mean? They are one of the most loving and protective dogs in the world. Treat them good and they will love you unconditionally . I have never known any of my friends Rotties to be mean. I think smell a Yorkie owner. Or a cat person.
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Also as unpredictable as all hell.
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I agree, good for him!
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good for him
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I think that it is wonderful that this old man and his dog have a place to stay now. He really should have some entertainment too. Perpahs the boys from the "Hempstock House Band" should go on over and play him some tunes!!
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Help them not to make messes and keep the place clean. I would take the guy in!
I think there should be dedicated areas in all towns for homeless! That will be many of us someday soon. Do you think our country is going to get better??? Wise up and realize this country is going down ON PURPOSE!!!
If it was set up with rubbishcans, maybe barbeques and other park stuff, it would help them out. Put some porti-potties in and fix any problems as soon as they appear. If someone is a homeless JERK have to police deal with them.
Why badger homeless people??? I'd rather help OUR own countries people than the ungrateful countries we do now! When we give to other countries I always wonder what a homeless person thinks...
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More people should be paying attention.
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so what's the problem? I agree, that an 84yo is homeless does not upset people more than the fact he sleeps in their neighborhood.
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Twice in one day? I'm going to buy a lottery ticket. Agreeing with Dan is one thing, but twice? In the same day? He's slipping. Or is it me? No, it has to be him, I'm always right.
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They should be more outraged that a 84 year old man is homeless!
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I think its a great idea to offer a park for the homeless.
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