Hypodermic needles are turning up on the sidewalks and parks of Whitman in increasing numbers. The issue is of increasing concern to residents, and the selectmen say they are listening.

“The concerns of the residents have been brought to our attention and we have spoken to Chief May-Stafford about this problem,” said Selectman Daniel Salvucci, citing the recent flurry of activity on the Express’s Web site about the issue.  He assured those in attendance that the matter would be looked into.

The issue of IV drug use, particularly heroin, has been in  the headlines in recent months as the greater Brockton area wrestles with a large outbreak of heroin and oxycontin use.

In other business, the selectmen voted to approve several licenses for new businesses in Whitman.

Marc Abraham and Stuart DeWilde, owners of a restaurant equipment venture called South Shore Restaurant Equipment, were awarded a junk dealer’s license for the premises located at 365 South Avenue, which the Regal Redemption Center most recently inhabited.

“It’s so nice to see empty buildings being put to use,” Selectman Brian Bezanson remarked.

George Abouyazbek of 311 South Ave. was also granted a Class II auto dealer’s license, subject to the receipt of a surety bond.  The Board of Selectmen also issued a used car sales license for Atlantic Car Sales at 591 Bedford Street.  At the same time, the board rescinded the license of Mandeville Motors, the business that had previously occupied that location.