Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

New Jersey shore town moves to close homeless encampment

LAKEWOOD, N.J. -- Officials in a Jersey Shore community are taking steps to dismantle an encampment of homeless people.

Summonses recently were issued to the leaders of Tent City, an encampment in the woods of Lakewood where about 80 people now live.

Steve Brigham, who founded the encampment in Ocean County and works with its homeless residents, told the Asbury Park Press that authorities initially told him they would impose daily fines of $1,000 for each of the site's 100 tents and 80 wood-burning stoves.

But authorities have now informed Brigham they will come in Wednesday and disassemble the camp if the tents have not already been taken down. The cost for that work will be passed along to Brigham and other camp leaders.

Township officials confirmed the notices were sent. They cited health and sanitary issues at the site, as well as complaints from residents whose homes are near the encampment. "I was in Tent City and it was disgusting -- horrendous living conditions," Mayor Albert Akerman told the newspaper. "Something has to be done."

Brigham said camp leaders will challenge the summonses, which he said are part of the township's increasing harassment against the encampment. Brigham also claims the summonses violate a court order that bars camp residents from being moved unless alternative living arrangements are in place. "They want us to pay ... to have a tent here," Brigham said. "But they have nowhere for us to go."

Township Committeeman Raymond Coles told the newspaper that Brigham has not abided by the agreement, contending the camp founder continues to grow and recruit new residents to the camp.

Brigham hopes camp residents will be relocated to a commune-like setting on the water, where they can get the help they need.