By WILLIAM CLARK
A judge ruled that the homeless encampment in a 32-acre area behind the Neptune ShopRite must be cleared by Oct. 27.
The owner of the property requested the clearing of the people occupying the encampment. For years, residents of the neighboring streets have voiced concerns about the encampment.
The township and nonprofits have been working to clear the area by offering services to find permanent housing. Although progress has been made in helping those who live there with forms and other paperwork, the camp still houses approximately 11 people.
Residents of Cardinal Road just behind the complex, speak routinely at Township Committee meetings about the dangers and disturbances that certain members of the encampment have brought. Residents say they empathize with those in need but say that their property and quality of living is affected by noise, human waste and dangerous materials such as propane tanks.
The township has both tried to support the residents in need while also putting pressure on the property owner to find a solution. The owner has accrued multiple zoning and ordinance infractions that are being adjudicated in municipal court.
