Sun Sep 15 11:42:08 UTC 2024: ## Homeless Man Fights Back Against Drug Users and Neglect in Paterson Park

**Paterson, NJ** – Despite a recent $200,000 renovation, Roberto Clemente Park in Paterson continues to struggle with drug use, homelessness, and garbage dumping. However, one homeless man, Rolando Vazquez, is determined to keep the park clean and safe for children.

Vazquez, a lifelong Paterson resident and aspiring artist, has been cleaning the park every day for the past five years. He removes needles, collects garbage, and even tries to scrub away the remnants of drug use.

“This park has been the poster child for how dirty Paterson is,” he said. “I wake up to clean up for the children every single day.”

While the city does send workers to clean the park, residents say Vazquez goes above and beyond. “He starts every morning at 7:00 a.m.,” said Abigail Medina, a local resident. “He does a better job than the city.”

Despite Vazquez’s efforts, the park remains a haven for drug users and the homeless. Locals report seeing addicts sleeping on playground equipment, using drugs, and bathing in the park’s sprinklers.

“I call them ‘the walking dead,'” said Ronald Kautz, a Paterson resident. “It used to be real bad. I’ve had my car windows busted out.”

Vazquez acknowledges the ongoing challenges, particularly with the constant dumping of garbage. He believes the city could do more to address the issue by providing larger, more accessible trash cans and increasing garbage collection.

Mayor Andre Sayegh has pledged to address the problems at Roberto Clemente Park. He cites a city-wide program called “RealFix,” which provides medication to help addicts overcome their opioid dependence, as one step towards a solution.

The city has also installed a metal fence around the park and plans to increase police patrols. However, the mayor acknowledges the complex nature of the problem and the need for a multi-faceted approach.

“Everybody can play a role,” said Mayor Sayegh. “He’s doing his best…our [Department of Public Works] is in that park as well. But we have issues with people who have bad habits. And until they change, you’re going to have people who flout rules and feel like they can dump garbage anywhere they want.”

For his part, Vazquez, who calls cleaning the park “his drug,” plans to continue his daily routine, hoping to make a difference in his community.

“If you try to help the world…it’s the most amazing feeling I can get,” he said.

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