Description
The homeless encampment tents have moved off the railroad track back onto the freeway off ramp at Shellmound Avenue, and garbage from the site is scattered everywhere on that corner now. Is it possible to get everything cleared up and prevent the tents from moving back and forth from corner to corner in the area? Also, some vehicles that get off the ramp often stop by the tents, making it unsafe for other motorists exiting the freeway. I know that homeless encampments are a big discussion point for bay area city leaders but until they figure out how to best handle the situation, as a resident in the area, it is very frustrating to see these rent encampments and related issues that come with them constantly recurring in the neighborhood.
12 Comments
Acknowledged City of Berkeley (Verified Official)
Steve (Registered User)
There is a triple issue here and the encampment knows this and exploits it. If they are on the off-ramp grounds it is CalTrans land. If they are on the railroad grounds they are on Union Pacific land. If they are near the aquatic park they are on Berkeley land. The encampment started a few years ago near the aquatic park. Berkeley cleared it out and erected a fence in this area to prevent their return.
That is when the encampment moved over the current CalTrans area. This area has been cleared a few times. The encampment will either move across the street to the train tracks or disappear for a few days. Only to just return and settle right back in. We can continue to push on Emeryville and Berkeley but they don't really have much ability to solve the situation. I think the real push should be for CalTrans to step in and install fencing or some other solution.
Ironically there is a sign that says $1,000 fine for littering as you exit the Shellmound offramp. You are then greeted with garbage everywhere. I agree this is also a safety hazard as well.
You can report to CalTrans on their website or by calling here: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/msrsubmit/ OR by calling (916) 654-2852.
CalTrans will usually say the issue has already been reported. They will come out in a few months clean it up and then the cycle will continue until something is actually done about it sadly.
LocalGardener (Registered User)
LocalGardener (Registered User)
Andrew Stevens (Registered User)
S (Registered User)
Shaun (Registered User)
An anonymous SeeClickFix user (Registered User)
Closed City of Berkeley (Verified Official)
Andrew Stevens (Registered User)
Reopened An anonymous SeeClickFix user (Registered User)
Acknowledged City of Berkeley (Verified Official)