When Homewood Suites first opened, he frequently found homeless men wandering the halls, looking for a place to shower or catch a quick nap. Some would help themselves to the free coffee and snacks intended for guests.

Although there are no easy solutions, he wonders why nobody is stating the obvious: If the city is serious about redeveloping the neighborhood and taking back the park, why not build a new shelter elsewhere with more rooms and services? "It's a political hot potato, because nobody wants to appear that they're kicking out the homeless. Absolutely, these people need help and a place to stay. Nobody would argue that." But extra cameras and police patrols won't make a big difference, he said, as long as drug dealers feel safe hiding among the homeless.

Regardless of what the city decides, Capener will continue to send out sales reps to convince business people that it's safe to book his hotel for an extended stay. But he hopes that his guests will use the treadmill upstairs, rather than take a run through the park.

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