Huntsville Business Owners Fed Up with Vandalism

In the city of Huntsville, business owners on Stokes Street are growing increasingly frustrated with the ongoing issues of vandalism and littering that have been affecting their operations. This has caused tension as the local homeless population appears to rise, leading to significant challenges for those running businesses in the area.

Concerns from Local Business Owners

Among the many voices expressing concern is Norman Vess, the owner of Beacon Construction Company. Vess describes a troubling trend of vandalism directed at his property, saying, “I have a laundry list of everything from vandalism to the door of my building, to trash found in the back of my pickup truck.” He has even gone as far as pulling his truck out of the parking area, frustrated by the continuous littering.

Adjacent to his company is First Stop, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting the homeless. While Vess acknowledges their efforts, he notes that the increasing number of individuals without shelter in the vicinity is proving damaging to local businesses. “There’s people laying all over the building, and there is a lot of trash here,” he explained, reflecting the discontent of several business owners.

An Impact on Business Reputation

Glen Born, another business owner on Stokes Street, echoed Vess’s sentiments, stating, “It’s not great for business because the people we do business with see that it’s full of trash.” Business owners are concerned that the image of their area reflects negatively on their companies, potentially deterring customers.

History of Nearby Homeless Camps

Two years prior, the city had shut down a homeless camp on Derrick Street—an area now known as ‘The Slab.’ This move has prompted business owners to speculate that the closure has contributed to the growing issues they face today. “Now the homeless started filling up the street, and First Stop kind of fills up all of our parking,” expressed Born, highlighting a shift in foot traffic and safety in the area.

Seeking Solutions

Vess has made several calls to local law enforcement to address the situation, but he is now calling on Huntsville city officials for a more structured approach to handle the rising concerns. He believes it is crucial for the city to enforce cleanliness standards and ensure that those utilizing services nearby maintain a respectful atmosphere. “They should make people stay over there and keep their garbage cleaned up,” Vess stated, emphasizing the need for action before the situation escalates further.

As business owners continue to voice their frustrations, they await a response from city officials regarding potential solutions to their pressing concerns.