The Bend City Council recently approved an administrative policy that sets out steps and procedures the City will use to determine when to remove or manage established campsites on City rights-of-way. The policy is intended to be used to remove those established campsites on City rights-of-way that are having the greatest impact on public health and safety -- including the safety of those individuals residing or camping at a location.

According to the new Management and Removal of Established Campsites in City Rights-of-way policy, when a segment or portion of a City right-of-way is being used as an established campsite and poses a threat to public safety and use of the right-of-way, the City can deem it an “unsafe campsite.” An impact analysis identified the unsafe campsite using evaluation criteria such as the number of Police Department calls for service, violations of laws or codes, and encroachment on travel lanes.

“Providing for the safety of our unhoused community members and the traveling public is the City’s top priority in addressing what’s happening at Emerson Avenue,” said City Manager Eric King. Along with approval of the policy, Councilors requested that staff provide two weeks’ notice to service providers before removing established, unsafe campsites.

This morning, the City provided official notice to those camping along Emerson Avenue of the need to vacate by June 23. On the morning of June 23, City crews and contractors will close portions of Second Street and Emerson Avenue and begin cleaning the area and restoring the right-of-way. Access to the area will be limited to service providers, City officials and contractors.

During camp clean-up and restoration, a safe observation area will be provided at the eastern end of the Second Street and Emerson Avenue intersection for First Amendment expressions and media.

Personal property remaining in the right-of-way after people relocate from the closed area will be stored near City Hall and available for pick-up by contacting City administration at City Hall, according to City administrative policy and in compliance with State law. People who leave the rights-of-way may choose to relocate temporarily to the low-barrier shelter located at 275 NE Second Street.

Once the unsafe campsite has been cleaned and restored, sections of Emerson Avenue will be posted as a no parking area to provide for safe access to the right-of-way and businesses.




--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-06-22 16:48:32