Hot Springs authorities looking to reduce vagrancy

Frustration over visitors turning parking spots into makeshift camping sites has authorities in Hot Springs looking for solutions. David Shelton, the town’s police chief, raised the issue during the monthly town meeting Oct. 7.

“People have made themselves at home without even asking,” Shelton told aldermen during the session inside Hot Springs City Hall. “We need signage to let everyone know about the security cameras, to let them know they’re under surveillance, that they are being watched.”

Julie Hochwender, who recently took control of the now-closed Mosaic restaurant location on Bridge Street, said that as she’s been working 12-hour days at the site, groups of people have setup camp in the parking lot behind the building. “They’ve broken in to use power and water. They’ve even made a campfire pit.”

Though the individuals Hochwender described have left the area, Shelton wants to ensure other groups don’t come in and follow suit. “Maybe there’s word of mouth and they tell their friends,” he said.

Alderman Jeanne Caldwell Gentry said town officials would work with Shelton to determine what language is needed on new signs to discourage vagrancy within town limits.