10 -The Michgan Daiy Summer Weekly - Wednesday, June 10, 1992 Judge to decide Tent City's fate next week . 'As tenants people gath the building the rentablil property owne "How do you see a conection between obtaining affordable housing and occupying the site across the street?" - Thomas Roumell, iugie by Joey Barker back of her store, allegedly drinking. Daily Staff Reporter On one occasion, she was vomited Last Wednesday, Salvation City upon while trying to prevent a home- foughtforitslifejustacrossthestreetin lessmanfromtulnblingdownthebase- the Washtenaw County Courthouse. ment stairs. becom~fe fghtened by Supporters of the tent city crowded.the Stapleton claims her walk-in sales courtroom as they watched the fate of have been down markedly from last ering In the back (of their 'protest' being decided. year at this time, and feet this de- ), It could threaten In acase brought against the Home- crease is due to the amount of home- ity of my buildings.' less Union by Washtenaw County, the less people gathering outside of her - Peter Bilakos, county asked the court that all activity store, intimidating potential custom- ir on block of Salvation City on the sitebe abated. If the orderis not ers. complied with, the county said it should "I understand that they're a pro- be able to remove the tents.Judge Tho- test,andIunderstandthecause,butit's mas Roumell-whopresidedover the interfering with people trying to do case -said he will have a decision on business, and I'm just a very small Monday of next week. - businesstrying tosurviveonEastAnn Attorney RobertGunzel,represent- Street," Stapleton said on the stand. ing the county, alleged that the tent city The defense's case relied on prov- is a public nuisance, and brought wit- ing that Homeless Union members nesses to the standto testify abouttheir never drank or used illegal drugs on experiences with Salvation City. The county also alleged that people were residing in the tent city, in viola- tion of both the agreement made with I understand that they the Homeless Union, and city zoning are a protest, and I ordinances. understand the cause, Elizabeth Luckenbacharesidentof but It's Interfering with thebuildingnexttothetentcity,wasthe first to take the stand. She spoke of the people trying to survive late night noise that she believes was on East Ann Street.' caused by the establishment of the tent - Bridget Stapleton, city, and the excessive public drinking flower shop owner and drug use of those gathered outside Salvation City boundaries. the site, nordidthey allow this behav- Witnesses for the defense claimed ior by others. The defense also con- that those who wereintoxicatedor oth- tended that the members could not be erwise inhibited were kicked off the held responsible for the actions of ng that the city and tent city site, and what they did after- those whogatheredoutsidethebound- ais choose to listen to wards was out of the control of the aries of Salvation City-- including Homeless Union. the public drunkeniness, urination, ed Ignore people like Bridget Stapleton, the owner of a fights,andloudnoisethatcausedlocal -"- small flower shop located on East Ann residents to complain to police and - David Noel, Street next to the tent city, was next tn county officials. Homeless Union member the witness stand. Stapleton testifiedon Homeless Union members put on the County's behalf thaton many occa- stand denied that people were actually sions since April 15-SalvationCity's living in the tents, and those that slept founding date -shehashadproblems there were simply obtaining neces- Photos by SHARON MUSHER/Daily entering her storein themoming due to sary sleep during the 24-hour vigil. "I'm protesti county offich businesses a myself." WHAT'S HAPPENING RECREATIONAL SPORTS Intramural Sports Program GOLF Medal Play (Friday & Saturday, June 12 & 13, 1992) Entries close: Tomorrow, Thursday, June 11, 1992 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.. IMSB Cookout for participants following completion of play Saturday, June 13 (approx. 5:30 p.m.) CALL 763-3562 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The Michigan Daily.e Weve got it all* NEWS. aSPORTS e ARTS e PHOTO e OPINION A UNIVERSITY Comedy by TOWERS A - Ken Ludwig The Best of Campus Lire! -..C-" "M.. directed by Joy Dennis Great Location June 10-13, 1992-:00 p.m. For Tickets call 662-7282. Corner of S. University & S Forest Saturday Matinee-2:Of-p.m. After Juneqth, call 763-1085 536 S. Forest Ave. LYDIA MENDELSSOHN THEATRE 76u-2680