LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A longtime Las Vegas attorney is begging for help after people experiencing homelessness started using a back alley for bathroom needs and sex acts near 4th Street and Clark in downtown Las Vegas.
Attorney Jerry Gillock says the problems have been mounting for years but last month when the City of Las Vegas shut down Centennial Plaza, it forced the homeless out into the open and onto the sidewalks.
"This is going to be their favorite toilet this weekend back here," said Gillock as he walked toward some dumpsters in the alley behind his building.
Just feet from the front door of this law firm, Gillock showed areas soaked in urine and human waste.
Gillock said he's witnessed homeless people throwing feces over the fence and into his parking lot and performing sex acts.
Gillock has been working in downtown Las Vegas for 50 years and says the problem is the worst he has seen yet.
"I just can't subject my employees to walking past people that are using heroin or that are going to the bathroom when they get out of their cars and come to work," explained Gillock.
For the first time in half a century, Gillock says he may be forced to leave downtown Las Vegas.
"I have to say for the first time in 50 years, I made an inquiry about office space in the suburbs last Friday," said Gillock.
13 Investigates has learned the City of Las Vegas plans to spend at least $36 million dollars on homeless initiatives such as their Courtyard Homeless Resource Center.
"I am sorry that the legislature ignored our request, our plea, frankly, for help," said Ward 3 Councilman Bob Coffin.
"All we had sought was a vote to raise fees because in Nevada local government have to beg the legislature for the authority to do anything," said Coffin in response to the most recent legislative session.
Coffin said the city wanted to raise money to address homelessness but instead the legislature elected not to grant the request and opted to study the issue for two more years.
"I am just frustrated to beat the band on this because dealing with homelessness downtown in the alleys, in the parks, on the sidewalks, in the neighborhoods, in homes, behind occupied homes too, we're stuck with no authority," said Coffin.
The City of Las Vegas will notify their Community Services team about the situation, but in the meantime, it is recommended people call 311 to report issues related to homelessness.
According to the City of Las Vegas, approximately 3,500 people sleep on Las Vegas streets each night.
