Residents air homeless camp grievances

Council reconsiders 2 sites prior to meeting

CHICO » Residents frustrated with the proposed designated homeless camps made their way to the Chico City Council Chambers on Tuesday evening to express their concerns.

This led to a packed house for the City Council and a considerable number of public comments.

Three campsites had been proposed, one on Humboldt Road, one near Fair Street and Country Road and another close to Eaton Road.

Comments focused heavily on the camp at Humboldt Road for being too close to Marsh Jr. High School.

Since the preliminary discussions regarding these sites, the city has rolled back on the Humboldt Road location as well as the one on Fair Street. Interim City Manager Paul Hahn said for now the city is holding onto the one expected for Eaton Road but is planning a discussion for its June 7 meeting to come up with new locations for the other two.

“There were quite a few letters, comments and phone calls about at least two of the sites to council members individually,” Hahn said. “Obviously, the council did decide at least two of the three sites needed to be evaluated.”