Common occurrence? Homeless sleeping out, folks smoking pot draws public ire

Police are using daily extra patrols and footbeats to monitor potential problems. (Rochester Voice file photo)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Common is a beautiful spot to spend some time, whether for a brisk walk around the perimeter, to catch up on some reading in a comfortable shady spot or to enjoy a playground visit with children or grandchildren.

Unfortunately, there is a less savory element that also finds it attractive, and last Wednesday's police log illustrates the issue.

First, around 1:25 a.m. an extra patrol by Rochester Police found at least 10 folks hanging around the gazebo, one of whom was arrested on felony theft, misdemeanor criminal trespass charges and two DUIs.

Later a little after noon in broad daylight police were called again after a caller reported to dispatch that they'd seen a group of people hanging around who were "acting strangely (dispatch notes)" and appeared to be using drugs.

The reporting person also said the group had draped blankets over the gazebo's sides for more privacy and that they had seen a male stumble down the stairs holding a paper towel to his bleeding arm.

When an officer arrived moments later they found three subjects in the gazebo. The officer asked them to take down the blankets, and they agreed to. Three were offered drug abuse services but refused.

An hour later dispatch got another call, this time from a mother with her 10-year-old son who said she was walking past the port-o-potties when they saw a group of men smoking marijuana. The mother was irate that her son had to see that and smell the pot during their walk.

An officer responded, but the men had dispersed.

Later that same night, a little after 9 p.m., officers were back at the gazebo after a reporting person called to let police know a group of people were bedding down for the night for a second successive night, with the blankets back draped over the railings. After speaking with officers the group agreed to pack up and leave.

Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham said on Tuesday that transients, members of the homeless community and drug users have frequented the Common over the past several years and that it continues to be a concern for police. He said they are currently using daily extra patrols and footbeats to monitor potential problems.