Austin creates list of possible encampment sites for homeless people, but consensus is lacking

Austin, Texas – With the public camping ban back in effect throughout various areas of Austin, the city is working against the clock to create and implement a housing solution for those experiencing homelessness in the city.

The City of Austin proposed 45 city-owned sites for potential encampment sites for those experiencing homelessness.
The City of Austin proposed 45 city-owned sites for potential encampment sites for those experiencing homelessness.  © Taylor Kamnetz

Nearly two weeks after the public camping ban was reinstated in Austin, Texas, but it's hard to pinpoint any major differences in the city so far.

Given that law enforcement can only issue verbal warnings for illegal camping for the next month, the changes were never going to take hold immediately.

But residents are growing impatient with the slow speed of enforcement, along with the lack of a viable, well-prepared alternatives for the homeless.

Did Lauren Boebert spur Ken Buck's removal from Freedom Caucus?
Lauren Boebert Did Lauren Boebert spur Ken Buck's removal from Freedom Caucus?

That's not to say no progress has been made on the front. The Austin City Council put together a list of potential sanctioned, city-owned land that could be turned into an encampment site to safely and effectively house the homeless.

The city's Park and Recreations department assessed 70 potential sites, which were then cut down to 45 throughout the evaluation.

Each of the city's ten districts have at least one proposed site within it, but not all city council members are on board with the plan if it means the homeless will be housed in their neck of the woods.

At the Austin City Council's work session on Tuesday, various city council members expressed their dissatisfaction with the list of proposed sites, and the way each site was presented.

Homeless camps are still partially intact while the Austin City Council works to pinpoint the next best move.
Homeless camps are still partially intact while the Austin City Council works to pinpoint the next best move.  © Taylor Kamnetz

During the meeting, City Council member Vanessa Fuentes of district two said, "One thing I noticed on this list of potential sites is the omission of the word 'Park' from several of the proposals."

She continued, "I think one thing we've learned from the past few years, is that there is a significant amount of mistrust in the city's response to how we address homelessness."

One thing Mayor Steve Adler kept returning to is the fact that this was the first meeting of its kind to address plans moving forward after the public camping ban was reinstated.

Marjorie Taylor Greene slammed for conspiracies about Baltimore bridge collapse
Marjorie Taylor Greene Marjorie Taylor Greene slammed for conspiracies about Baltimore bridge collapse

Adler said, "This was a preliminary list. There's no intention to be deceitful in any way, shape, or form."

Some requirements the city has set include having access to running water, electricity, showers, and bathrooms.

Sites should be located close to grocery stores, child care, and public transportation. They must have around-the-clock security, trash and recycling receptacles, and resource officers on stand-by.

The second round of review and discussion will take place in June, where Mayor Adler and city council members will further look into the plausibility of these sites, and eliminate those that don't meet the set conditions.

Cover photo: Taylor Kamnetz

More on US politics: