By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne said Monday she has temporarily restricted access to portions of Lincoln Park for public health and safety reasons.
Sherburne issued a press release Monday afternoon detailing the administrative measures she is taking “to protect the public health, safety, sanitation, fire safety, city property and orderly use of the park.”
The areas of the park in question are the pavilion, which is cordoned off with chains and the restrooms locked unless events like concerts or the farmer’s market are scheduled and the gazebo.
Sherburne said the city had “received reports and documented incidents of activity within the gazebo and pavilion areas of Lincoln Park during established park hours and after designated park closing hours — including the presence of human waste and discarded needles.”
The mayor also said there have been incidents of individuals attempting to start or light a fire in the vicinity of the gazebo and pavilion creating a risk to public safety and to public property.
Sherburne emphasized that LIncoln Park is not being closed, but that the gazebo and pavilion can be cordoned off by the use of chains, gates, fencing or other barricades. The gazebo and pavilion will be secured except when an authorized event is scheduled.
“The remainder of Lincoln Park shall remain available for lawful public use in accordance with the city’s existing laws and regulations,” the mayor added. “It shall remain in effect for the period reasonably needed to address the conditions that created the public-health and safety concern. The city’s objective is not to deny residents access to Lincoln Park.”
The Parks Department will be responsible for marking boundaries and maintaining barriers at the gazebo and pavilion, as well as clearly worded signs to explain the temporary action.
The department will also coordinate appropriate sanitation and cleanup, coordinate with fire and police departments regarding safety concerns and maintain public access to the rest of Lincoln Park.
At the request of the mayor, the Olean Common Council last week passed an amendment to the City Code to prohibit camping or encampments on city property.
The action is aimed at homeless individuals who have set up various encampments along the Allegheny River dikes and along the Allegheny River Valley Trail.The fine for a first offense is up to $50. The fines rise to up to $100 for a second offense and $250 for a third offense.
People have been complaining of the encampments of homeless people, who leave behind trash, tents and needles.
The homeless include people who have lost their home or an apartment due to medical or other bills, those with mental health issues and people who are addicted to drugs.
The latest count on area homelessness shows 11 families and more than 60 individuals. Some are forced to sleep on someone’s couch, a car or on the street.
A limited number of beds for families and individuals are available at Genesis House in Olean. The Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services also provides assistance to the homeless.
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