I’ve been reading about the panhandling problem in downtown; it is a huge problem in the Gunbarrel area, too. It’s commonplace to be accosted by panhandlers when walking from your parked car into a commercial establishment. And often they are aggressive. I look carefully around my car before getting out, but sometimes someone will be lurking in between cars and come out suddenly.
This has become a quality of life issue; I don’t like being fearful to go about the normal business of living.
And yes, I do care about people in unfortunate circumstances, but it’s become more and more obvious to me that this is a racket. I sometimes feel I have to give a little, because I feel intimidated. I’ve had my path blocked before. Now I’ve come to view this as a “tax” I pay for going out to the Gunbarrel stores.
I hope the City Council can put some teeth into an ordinance.
Mary Gardenhire