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Wolf: What would Webb think of homeless in Sun City?

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I’m submitting this article in response to the ongoing dialogue about homelessness, panhandling and crime in Sun City.

I’m a homeowner and full-time resident. I live off 103rd Avenue so I drive by the Arco gas station at the corner with Grand Avenue every day.

A friendly conversation between Mr. Webb and Mr. Arco.

Mr. Webb: Hi Mr. Arco. I like the renovation you did on your gas station and convenience store at 103rd and Grand avenues. That must’ve cost a pretty penny.

Mr. Arco: Thank you, sir. There’s lots of competition and we have to keep up our image to stay profitable.

Mr. Webb: I couldn’t agree more. And you know how much we like to have wholesome successful businesses in Sun City. They add to our attraction and convenience and improve land values here.

Mr. Arco: I’m glad you have welcomed us here. It’s a great place to do business. There’s easy access and a good market.

Mr. Webb: I’ve been reading the Sun City Independent and it seems some homeowners are concerned about homeless people and drug dealers wandering around and scaring them.

Mr. Arco: Yes, I’m aware it’s a problem. As a matter of fact, a bunch of them congregate in our parking lot and shoplift from our store.

Mr. Webb: That’s too bad. You did that nice renovation and people driving by only see a crowd of vagrants in the parking lot. Do you have any ideas?

Mr. Arco: Not really. I’m busy. I tell them to move on and they come back an hour later. It’ll take somebody smarter than me to solve it.

Mr. Webb: I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but seeing our goals are the same, we should be able to come up with something.

Mr. Arco: Like what? We made a big investment here and sure don’t want to have to move.

Mr. Webb: How about we help you to help yourself. I’m not an expert myself but there’s usually an expert on just about anything. Suppose there’s a way to remove the problem by reconfiguring the parking lot, installing better lighting and hiring a no-nonsense part time watchman. I don’t know, some proprietors must have good ideas to share on how to make their business less attractive to loiterers.

Mr. Arco: Hmmmmm interesting.

Mr. Webb: I know you’re not made of money so maybe we could split the cost of having an expert make an estimate. There’s some pot money coming into Sun City. The way I look at it if we can make people feel safe it’s an investment in the future.

Mr. Arco: You definitely have my attention. Once we have an estimate we can work out a plan to get it done. Would you be willing to help?

Mr. Webb: Well, you know how people are here in Sun City. It may take some convincing. It’s worth a try. Maybe we can make a deal to help you out. It’s a win-win.”