MORGANTOWN — Back and forth between city administration and a member of Morgantown City Council over a homeless encampment along Deckers Creek — referred to as Diamond Village — continued during Tuesday’s regular session.
Last week, 3rd Ward Councilor Zack Cruze said he felt like city personnel, including police and code enforcement, were harassing the camp and the property owner despite the fact that the camp was set up on the property, located of Pennsylvania Avenue, with the owner’s permission.
Interim City Manager Emily Muzzarelli refuted that assessment on Tuesday, explaining it was “false” and “not based on facts,” which Cruze later characterized as “gaslighting.”
Muzzarelli said that in the three or so weeks the camp has been in place, there have been four calls to code enforcement about trash and unsanitary conditions. She said city personnel found those complaints warranted each time, but issued no citations.
Additionally, she said police have been called to the area seven times for a number of reasons. One arrest was made on an individual with an outstanding warrant. She admitted that at one point an officer mistakenly said it was against code to camp anywhere within city limits.
“When there are claims that city staff are harassing individuals without fact checking the source or having any firsthand knowledge of the event, it causes significant disruption in city operations and makes it extremely difficult for staff to do their jobs,” Muzzarelli said, noting the city also reached out to the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness, representatives of which visited the camp on Tuesday.
“I ask that you don’t immediately believe everything you hear or read on social media and check facts before spreading information,” she concluded.
Cruze said his goal all along has been for residents of Diamond Village to be left alone. He said that is now occurring and questioned whether the public attention brought to the situation is why the city has backed off. He also said the camp is being observed and recorded 24-hours a day.
“That was my goal. My goal was for them to be able to be left alone. So I didn’t see a point in continued escalation with the city … However, the degree of gaslighting that came from you tonight renders it so I have to respond,” Cruze said to Muzzarelli.
Cruze’s comments drew a response from Mayor Bill Kawecki, who said he strives to let council members express themselves as they see fit.
“I have to confess, though, that I’m becoming weary of the … finger wagging that we receive as a city and city administration when I know the efforts that have been extended to address these problems and I know of the care that these individuals have in executing their work,” Kawecki said.
Rachael Coen of the WVCEH said her organization isn’t going to force anyone out of the camp. She also dispelled a reoccurring rumor used by its residents that there are bedbugs in the Bartlett House facilities.
She said WVCEH staff members reported that the camp is clean. She said drug use is taking place, but there were no needles lying around.
There are around 14 tents with approximately 20 individuals staying at the camp. There is potable water and a portable toilet facility on site.
In a report delivered to council, Coen said WVCEH will continue visit the site and attempt to move those willing into housing and encourage others to go to Bartlett House.
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