The City of Marietta finds itself at a crossroads as it addresses the complex intersection of homelessness, private property rights, and squatting. With an estimated 1,000 homeless individuals in Cobb County, many relying on non-profit organizations in Marietta for shelter and resources, Mayor Steve Tumlin has called upon the City Council to address concerns raised by citizens regarding homeless individuals squatting on private property.
The proposed ordinance, slated for official presentation to the council in June, seeks to curtail squatting by making it illegal for individuals to trespass on private property from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. without written consent from the owner. Additionally, the ordinance would outlaw squatting and camping on public property, imposing fines and potential jail time for violators.
Interim Marietta Police Chief David Beam highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing squatting, particularly when property owners are uncooperative or absent. Criminal trespass agreements, which authorize law enforcement to remove individuals from private property, offer a potential solution, albeit with limitations.
State Representative Devan Seabaugh’s bill, aimed at expediting the removal process for squatters and criminalizing their actions, has garnered bipartisan support in the Georgia legislature, signaling a broader recognition of the urgency of the issue.
However, concerns about the proposed ordinance’s impact on homelessness and individual rights have been raised. Councilwoman Cheryl Richardson expressed reservations about potentially criminalizing homelessness, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that addresses underlying issues such as substance abuse and mental health.
Councilmen Carlyle Kent and Andre Sims proposed exploring alternative solutions, citing successful initiatives in other municipalities, such as converting old hotels into shelters. Richardson emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in providing comprehensive support services for the homeless population.
The discussion underscored the complex nature of the issue, exacerbated by jurisdictional complexities and limited resources. Despite efforts to streamline police response and prevent the establishment of permanent campsites, it is clear that the proposed ordinance alone will not resolve the underlying challenges.
As Marietta grapples with squatting issues amidst broader homelessness concerns, collaboration between stakeholders, innovative approaches, and a commitment to addressing root causes will be essential in charting a path forward that upholds both public safety and individual dignity.
