Angled blocks reignite panhandling debate

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — At the intersection of Routes 140 and 6 is a new median with angled bricks. It’s designed to keep people from standing in the road, particularly panhandlers.

“It’s ridiculous,” said Christopher Mydlack, a homeless panhandler. “It does cause a problem because now you can trip and fall in the median.”

But Mydlack says…panhandling in the cold on a median like this…is still safer than spending time in a homeless shelter…which he considers drug–infested and dangerous.

“At this point, I’ve got nothing,” he said. “I’ve got to eat.”

Neighbors say they feel sorry for the homeless panhandlers.

“Everywhere I go, I have to get close to them,” said one neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. “And they look at you. You feel bad. So I’ve got to try to have change in my car all the time.”

But he also says panhandling has become a major issue here.

“It’s sad,” he said. “It’s not good for me, because this is my house, and it was never like this ever.”

And he doesn’t think the new medians will ultimately deter people.

“They’ll still stand there,” he said. “Because that’s a hot place. People turning, cars going straight. There’s money there.”

But the mayor and other city officials say efforts like the one at this intersection are helping to make the city safer.

“I think it’s been somewhat effective,” said Scott Lima of New Bedford City Council. “But I think it’s going to have to be a continuous effort, that we’re going to have to encourage those individuals who are giving to give in a different way.”

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2020