Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

New Jersey Township Sparks Outrage By Chopping Down All Trees In Town Square To Deter Unhoused People

New Jersey Township Sparks Outrage By Chopping Down All Trees In Town Square To Deter Unhoused People
Google Maps

In a controversial policy decision, a New Jersey township has opted to cut down the trees in its town square in the hopes of deterring unhoused people from gathering there.

As a result, town policymakers are facing a backlash with many local residents feeling that the policy has backfired.


See local news footage here:

youtu.be

Once lined with lush, deciduous trees, Lakewood Township's beloved Red Square now emanates a feeling of emptiness after its trees were hastily stripped from their plots back in early August.

The decision was ultimately set in motion upon recommendation from Lakewood's police department due to an increase in incidences involving homelessness in the area.

The town's unhoused population was known to frequent its square for the shade that its trees provided. However, town mayor Raymond Coles felt something needed to be done after local families began to avoid the area.

Coles has spoken out on the issue accusing the unhoused of using the square as a place to relieve themselves and harass residents.

"I have been told that many residents and employees encountered harassment, catcalling, etc. Some of our female employees said they did not feel safe walking to their cars without a police officer to escort them. Folks were defecating in between cars."

Regarding the new policy, Coles claims that there has been a noticeable impact.

"It seems to have helped alleviate the problem with the town square. Employees seem more comfortable coming and going from work. I had a business owner call me to tell me he has seen a difference." 

Yet despite Coles' sentiments, many have come out to criticize the rationale behind the tree removal. Advocates for the unhoused have shown mixed reactions ranging from anger to outright bewilderment. Local town minister Reverend Steve Brigham slammed the move as "extremely, extreme".

The story has trended across social media with many comments suggesting that the decision actually may have accomplished the opposite of what was intended.

One user on Twitter suggested that removing trees makes more room for setting up tents.

Another user suggests the town should provide affordable housing instead.

There was plenty of outrage to go around.




As for the criticism the town has received, Mayor Coles says that he was prepared for it.

"I was aware that the blowback we have seen this week would occur. It would have been easier to just let the situation be, but no problem can ever be solved by ignoring it."

For the unhoused in his town, the mayor suggests that these individuals should go apply for section 8 housing. However, advocates have hit back claiming that many prospective section 8 applicants encounter barriers such as needing an email address or limited housing availability.

Regardless, the mayor believes that many of the unhoused simply refuse to sign up for assistance.

"Many will refuse to sign up for any assistance. There is no way we can force someone to accept our help."

As for the future of the town square, the mayor plans to start a refurbishment program in the Fall featuring new plants and paint. Yet despite the square's upcoming renovations, there appear to be no further initiatives for addressing homelessness in Lakewood Township.

More from Trending

People Reveal The Dark Secrets They Discovered About Someone After They Died

Sometimes you never know who someone is until they're gone.

Everyone has their secrets.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Jesse Watters; Hakeem Jeffries
Fox News; Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Jesse Watters Pathetically Tries To Burn Hakeem Jeffries With Bizarre 'Rule For Men' Rant

Fox News personality Jesse Watters was widely mocked after he criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for having recently shared a photo of himself on Instagram that appeared to be digitally altered—with the bench he was leaning against noticeably warped around his hips.

You can see Jeffries' photo below.

Keep ReadingShow less
Snoop Dogg
Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

Snoop Dogg's Puppy Instagram Breaks Internet

Snoop Dogg introduced his fans to the newest little bow-wow in his household, a puppy named Baby Boy Broadus.

The adorable small tan French bulldog made his debut on the rapper’s Instagram account on June 28th, sporting a Louis Vuitton leash and chewing on his owner’s Death Row Jacket.

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump
DRM News/YouTube

Trump Ripped After Going Off On Bonkers Rant About Room's Decor During Cabinet Meeting

During Tuesday's cabinet meeting while the press was in attendance, MAGA Republican President Donald Trump gave a rambling stream of consciousness speech that went all over the place before landing on paint versus gold leaf, leading people to again question the POTUS' mental acuity amid a notable cognitive decline.

In a disjointed monologue about the decor in the cabinet room, Trump said he stole a grandfather clock from Secretary of State Marco Rubio's office and chose a painting of James Polk because the frame matched the frame around his favorite President—Andrew Jackson.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshots of Eric Adams
@ericadamsfornyc/Instagram

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Roasted After Viewers Notice Awkward Detail In His 'Morning Routine' Video

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was widely mocked after he shared a video on social media of his "morning routine," with time stamps showing his activities—only for viewers to notice that a standard black-and-white wall clock visible in part of the video showed a very different time.

Adams jumped on the latest Instagram trend this week, sharing his version of a “morning routine” video with his followers. The trend, which has already begun to fade, typically features sped-up clips of people going through their early rituals—complete with edits, ambient music, and timestamp overlays.

Keep ReadingShow less