(Credit: Lansdale Police)
Joseph Dippolito allegedly admitted to cutting down the trees to create space for a tent, and was charged with criminal mischief and other offenses
Lansdale Police have charged a man with cutting down nearly 10 trees near the rear of Stony Creek Park, causing $55,000 in damage.
Lansdale Police announced Friday afternoon that an unhoused individual known to frequent the park, Joseph Dippolito, has admitted to cutting down the trees to create space for a tent, and was charged with criminal mischief and other offenses.
On July 3, 2025, Lansdale Police responded to a report of multiple trees being cut down in Stony Creek Park. Officers discovered that about ten trees near the rear of the park had been felled, with stumps left standing about four feet tall, police said.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges Lansdale Borough faces in addressing homelessness within its public parks. Borough officials have been balancing efforts to maintain public spaces with compassionate approaches to support unhoused residents.
Recent initiatives include enforcement of park hours, increased collaboration with mental health responders, and plans for expanded shelter resources.
In 2024, Lansdale Mayor Garry Herbert directed police to remove individuals from parks only when public health or safety was at risk, while ensuring connections to social services.
The borough is also preparing to open a new $1.3 million year-round homeless shelter, approved by Montgomery County, to provide transitional housing for 20 to 25 individuals.
Despite these efforts, issues such as unauthorized encampments and damage to park property continue to present challenges for local authorities and the community, like this $55,000 loss to borough taxpayers.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
