Wilmington Businesses Battle Homeless Encampments | Wilmington News

Wilmington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 9, 2026 · 1m

Wilmington business owners along Market Street are grappling with the rising tide of homeless encampments, facing daily disruptions, cleanup costs, and safety concerns. Mark Hicks, a local shopkeeper, says he’s spent thousands on trash removal and dump fees—just one of many small businesses hit hard. City ordinances banning sleeping on public property have only pushed people closer to storefronts, creating a tense standoff between public safety and compassion. Governor Josh Stein recently vetoed a harsh new state bill, calling it counterproductive, and Hicks hopes local solutions will finally…