Residents and business owners in Burlington, Vermont, spoke to Fox News Digital this week about the challenges facing the city, including an increase in homelessness and drug use on the city's streets, and some are worried about their physical safety. There were also voices saying,
Fox News caught up with locals on Church Street, a prominent area of Burlington filled with boutiques and upscale restaurants. They acknowledged that in recent years, the idyllic downtown area on Lake Champlain has become an area with a significant homeless population.
These include individuals addicted to hard drugs like fentanyl, families whose finances have been adversely affected, and people who have turned to crime to support themselves on the streets. Multiple residents told Fox News the situation is a concern for public safety.
“It's very nice during the day, but as people are saying, it's really dangerous at night,” said one young local resident named Lucas.
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Residents of Burlington, Vermont, spoke to Fox News Digital about the city's recent issues with homelessness and drug use. (Fox News)
Burlington, where Sen. Bernie Sanders was mayor from 1981 to 1989, is Vermont's most populous city, despite having an estimated 44,000 residents. The homeless population has increased significantly in recent years. Aid groups say more than 350 homeless people live on the city's streets, a record number. Many of these unhoused people are suffering from addiction to drugs such as fentanyl and xylazine, also known as “trunks,” local leaders told Fox News.
Vermont itself has seen a 500% increase in drug overdose deaths over the past decade. Local news outlets reported that first responders I'm overwhelmed By the number of overdoses in the city.
While residents and local business owners say they feel compassion for the homeless, especially those suffering from mental illness and drug addiction, many are concerned about the impact on the local economy, tourism and residents' well-being. He admits that he is concerned about this.
“I don't walk at night,” an elderly woman named Nancy told FOX News Digital. When asked why, he replied, “Because it's dangerous.”
“People get assaulted at night,” she said, adding that she was “very lucky” not to be a victim of assault herself. She recalled that her neighbor went out to smoke a cigarette one night and was “severely beaten.” The perpetrators also attempted to destroy the wheelchair the person was using to get around.
She claimed that “no one goes out” after dark.
A local business owner named Patricia acknowledged that “community safety” needs to be as much of a concern for city government as the well-being of the homeless and addicts.
“This town and the government seem to be very focused on helping addicts,” she said, adding, “There seems to be a lack of respect for the people who are doing business.” . I'm trying to run a store. ” She said some businesses have left because of drug abuse and crime happening right outside.
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Emergency workers treat injured people at the scene of a shooting in Burlington on Saturday, Nov. 25. (Wayne Savage, via AP)
Tom, who works in the city, said there was a problem with homelessness and drug addiction, but said the homeless community itself should not be blamed.
“Obviously, we have a big problem here with homelessness. You know, it's not their fault, it's just the nature of the housing market and the coronavirus pandemic and everything in between,” he said. spoke. “We need more housing in Vermont, especially here in Burlington. That's the issue.”
He said there appears to be a significant reduction in police presence downtown, noting, “When I lived here five or six years ago, we had a lot more police.”
The city is currently working to hire more police officers and funnel money to law enforcement after some of the department's budget was cut. Approximately 30% of the town's military strength Cutting due to wear.
When asked if he had seen any evidence of drug use on the city's streets, he said: “There are a lot of needles on the ground everywhere.”
He insisted he feels safe walking the streets and is “not actively fearing for his life,” but admitted he tries to “be aware of his surroundings.” .
Two homeless men struggle to stay warm outside a store in Burlington, Vermont, as temperatures drop as night approaches. (Fox News)
Despite acknowledging the issue of homelessness, some said they were less concerned about public safety.
Another young Burlington resident, Jin, said the city's problems are overblown. “Personally, I think people say things like Burlington is a bad place, it's dangerous, but I don't think so. If you are, don't do anything stupid. Homeless people. Please stop going out to tickle me.”
“Sometimes downtown at night isn't the best, but overall it's a good city with good people,” said August, a young local resident.
“I do think there are issues with homelessness and mental health, but I think with a little more planning, we can solve those issues,” he continued. He added that Burlington feels safe.
When asked if he thought downtown was safe, Deacon, another young resident, said, “I think it's safe during the day. But at night, like August said, there's a bit of a drug abuse problem that's been neglected.” I answered.
He added that he found “several needles” on the streets of the city and “saw several people having a really good time.”
City leaders say they are actively working with the community and government to provide better access to solutions such as mental health facilities, public housing, shelters and drug treatment programs. .
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Sanders' team did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the situation in the city where he began his political career.
