A homeless encampment is a health concern

A homeless encampment off Bay Street along the Passumpsic River near the bridge is a health concern, town officials say, but addressing the situation is complicated because it’s on private property. Multiple tents, tarps, clothing, a clothes line, and more establish a home site for the homeless that’s been occupied since the summer. The scene is more visible now that leaves have fallen from the trees around the camp. The town’s public safety team has identified the site as a public health hazard, but they can’t take enforcement action because the property on which the camp resides is privately owned, and officials are working to communicate with the owner. Town tax maps show two adjacent parcels where the camp sits belong to an entity called St. Johnsbury Transfer Station Inc., which is owned by Waste Management Inc. The transfer station on High Street now belongs to Casella. Town Manager Chad Whitehead said when Waste Management Inc. sold the station to Casella, the property on Bay Street was apparently not part of the deal. Whitehead said the town is trying to figure out how Waste Management wants to proceed.