We have limited resources and we need to focus on what helps Fresno most. There are areas where Code enforcement is needed. However, with HART and the implementation of the ordinance to increase fines for private property for "illegal occupancy," it seems that justifications are used to simply continue encampment sweeps that are accomplishing little but displacing people and causing significant psychological and health impacts on those who cannot access shelters or housing. The 311 line seems largely promoted to give people a number for complaints. I understand the community is frustrated, but they direct that frustration solely on people who cannot do anything about it until they have resources and don't know where to go. There has been an increase of private property owners vacating people from their lots, and while this is their discretion, the increase comes after the city passed increased penalties to the owners for the unhoused being there. I have known those, other than We Are Not Invisible/Dez Martinez, who wanted to use their own property for a safe lot, which would be managed, keep the lot clean and watched over, and would keep more people off of public and other properties and they were forbidden with a threat of fines, which lacks heart to be sure. The city should instead work with property owners to ensure that safety needs are met and work on a plan for allowing safe lots and other alternatives.
We have limited resources and we need to focus on what helps Fresno most. There are areas where Code enforcement is needed. However, with HART and the implementation of the ordinance to increase fines for private property for "illegal occupancy," it seems that justifications are used to simply continue encampment sweeps that are accomplishing little but displacing people and causing significant psychological and health impacts on those who cannot access shelters or housing. The 311 line seems largely promoted to give people a number for complaints. I understand the community is frustrated, but they direct that frustration solely on people who cannot do anything about it until they have resources and don't know where to go. There has been an increase of private property owners vacating people from their lots, and while this is their discretion, the increase comes after the city passed increased penalties to the owners for the unhoused being there. I have known those, other than We Are Not Invisible/Dez Martinez, who wanted to use their own property for a safe lot, which would be managed, keep the lot clean and watched over, and would keep more people off of public and other properties and they were forbidden with a threat of fines, which lacks heart to be sure. The city should instead work with property owners to ensure that safety needs are met and work on a plan for allowing safe lots and other alternatives.