San Jose is actively working to clear homeless encampments along freeways by exploring a partnership with Caltrans to facilitate faster cleanup. Mayor Matt Mahan supports Senate Bill 569, which would allow cities to perform sweeps on state property and provide necessary resources. Given Caltrans' limited cleanup capabilities, the bill aims to enhance public safety while addressing significant encampments that pose hazards. Mahan noted the accumulation of trash and fire risks, citing an example of a repeat encampment needing multiple cleanings within a year, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by the community.
"Our freeway onramps aren't campgrounds - living there is unsafe for everyone," Mahan told San José Spotlight.
"Some of the most impactful and unsafe encampments in San Jose are located along freeways, where trash, fires, and other impacts accumulate while we wait for Caltrans to respond," Mahan wrote in his March budget message.
If passed, the state would reimburse cities for sweeps. Mahan is also pursuing a similar concept with Caltrans and state Sen. Dave Cortese in case SB 569 fails to move forward, though the pilot program is still in its early stages.
Significant litter and debris accumulation and fire hazards posed by makeshift structures attached to nearby trees have presented notable challenges at this location," Caltrans spokesperson Chris Clark told San José Spotlight.
Collection
[
|
...
]