The homeless encampment known as
”
Bamboo Village
”
that has moved to private property adjacent to Uvas Creek and
across from Eagle Ridge should be shut down by the Gilroy Police
Department.
The people there are trespassing and the property owners are
certainly not endorsing the unhealthy village that has become both
a liability and an eyesore.
1. Homelessness is a vexing problem, but trespassing is not legal
The homeless encampment known as “Bamboo Village” that has moved to private property adjacent to Uvas Creek and across from Eagle Ridge should be shut down by the Gilroy Police Department.
The people there are trespassing and the property owners are certainly not endorsing the unhealthy village that has become both a liability and an eyesore.
It’s not a pleasant situation for anyone. But Gilroy has been and remains a very proactive and compassionate community with regards to the vexing problem of homelessness.
2. Provide information about services, but draw a reasonable line
Information about services, such as drug and alcohol counseling, and housing has and will continue to be provided to people. Social service workers attempt to locate housing and, of course, there’s never enough.
But that doesn’t mean that unsanitary encampments should be tacitly endorsed by inaction. If that’s the case, it becomes a matter of our town becoming a path of least resistance. That will result in encampments – and the problems that accompany such – growing.
Look no further than the median strips surrounding our shopping centers for evidence of problems growing simply because our community has chosen to neglect them.
3. Panhandlers have proliferated on medians near shopping centers
Panhandlers have mushroomed on the medians, creating traffic safety issues and an atmosphere for residents and visitors that is counterproductive to a pleasant shopping experience.
Police Chief Denise Turner is, thankfully, preparing an ordinance which deals with the proliferation of panhandlers. That’s a step in the right direction.
Supporting services and outreach is important, but it’s also important to set limits in order to preserve the quality of life residents value.
It’s a balancing act that this community can and should manage.
