WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - A business owner is closing off a downtown Watertown walkway at night, saying the homelessness problem in the city is too much to pick up after.

When Bad Apple Downtown closes for the night, the gates at the Strauss Memorial Walkway close too. It’s a preventative measure as the restaurant owner catches people camping overnight in the alley.

“It’s startling, often harmless but not actually a nice atmosphere for business,” said Shannon Exford-Donato.

The walkway is a public path, private property, and recently, the site of a hidden homeless encampment.

“Here’s where we have found a mattress, and needles, and other paraphernalia,” said Exford-Donato.

The walkway is located right next to and shares an owner with the Bad Apple Downtown. In fact, the restaurant’

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