Gilroy Officials Address Homeless Encampment Issues

GILROY, CA — The city of Gilroy announced that the potential removal of a homeless encampment located near the on-ramp to Highway 101 at 10th Street would be delayed until further notice to provide time to find alternative housing options.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Friday, city officials claimed that residents of the encampment were not given enough of a warning by Caltrans to find other places to stay. Caltrans only provided a 24 hours’ notice, according to the city. Signs were posted early last week by Caltrans with notices of “Emergency Removal” at the site.

Caltrans reportedly was concerned about vehicles parked on the property, and residents have complained about trash and safety hazards due to the growing encampment.

But “time was not afforded for the City, Santa Clara County, and our nonprofit partners to identify alternative housing options for those being displaced,” city officials said.

Caltrans told the city later that the removal would be delayed as officials work to find other housing options for those currently at the encampment.

The Gilroy Dispatch reported last week that while the sweep was postponed, homeless services helped residents disperse the area and there were about 20 people remaining as of Friday morning.

Also in the statement, the city announced that Christmas Hill Park, a 51-acre park near Gilroy High School, would not be used as a homeless encampment site, refuting rumors that had swirled on social media.

“It is the City’s intention to partner with the County and our local nonprofits to assist those seeking shelter, however, at this time Christmas Hill Park is not being considered,” city officials said.