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Citrus Heights Messenger

Citizens Want Solution to Homelessness in Their Backyards

Jul 11, 2019 12:00AM ● By Story by Shaunna Boyd

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - At the Citrus Heights City Council meeting on June 27, Director of Sacramento Public Library Rivkah Sass updated the Council about the “refresh” of the Sylvan Oaks Library. The library now has new paint, flooring, carpets, and efficient LED lighting. Other modernizations include an enhanced children’s area, an updated teen space, a homework help area, new computers, quiet study rooms, and new service desks.

“It will be more efficient and 21st century ready,” said Sass. “This will be the gold standard for what county libraries will look like after a refresh.”

Sylvan Oaks Library’s Grand Re-Opening Celebration will be held on Saturday, August 3 from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm. The event will feature a shaved ice truck, henna art, face painting and balloon animals, outdoor lawn games, a history exhibit, tours of the new library space, and library card sign ups.

Mayor Jeannie Bruins said, “I’m excited. This library is a very important element of our community. I know the people have missed it since it’s been closed. … Thank you for investing in our community. It will continue to be well-used.”

Numerous residents of the Stock Ranch Rd. neighborhood attended the meeting to voice concerns about homeless camps in the greenbelt behind their homes. Residents are worried that the homeless persons camping in the area pose a threat to their property values and to the safety of their families. One resident explained that he understands some homeless people have mental illnesses and need help to get off the streets, but he said he has spoken to others who have chosen the homeless lifestyle because they do not want to be part of society. Another resident said, “I’m sensitive to it, and I feel sorry for these people, but enough is enough.”

Many residents said they appreciate the Citrus Heights Police Department’s (CHPD) quick responses to calls in the area, but they believe more needs to be done. The campers are damaging the natural environment due to the garbage and human excrement they leave behind, and residents want to see a cleanup effort to address this. They asked for a comprehensive plan to address and discourage homeless encampments, saying they want to help find a solution.

CHPD Chief Ron Lawrence thanked the residents for their comments and said he shares their concerns. Chief Lawrence said that Citrus Heights has a lower rate of homelessness compared to the Sacramento Region, and the number of homeless people in the city is decreasing due to the efforts of the Navigator Program, which provides resources to homeless people to get them the help they need. “Those that don’t want assistance, that are committing crimes, we take an aggressive enforcement approach with,” said Chief Lawrence.

CHPD Commander Jason Russo said that the Sunrise Recreation and Park District had a cleanup effort planned in the greenbelt the following day. They planned to trim trees in the area to increase visibility, which discourages camping, and to clean up a couple of established camps. Commander Russo appreciated that the residents want to be involved: “That’s really important in solving this problem; we can’t do it alone, as you know. It takes the whole community.”

Councilmember Bret Daniels said he also lives near a greenbelt and understands the residents’ frustrations: “I’m done tolerating it. … The community gets what the community tolerates, and we don’t want to tolerate this kind of stuff anymore.” Councilmember Daniels said there should be daily sweeps to clear homeless people of out these areas to ensure that citizens can feel safe in their neighborhoods.

City staff asked the Council to approve the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the Electric Greenway Trail Project — a proposed 2.9-mile paved trail that will connect many of the parks and nature areas in Citrus Heights. The project is currently in the outreach, engineering, design, and environmental review phase. Mayor Bruins recused herself from the proceedings because her home is within 500 ft. of the proposed project, but she did state that she is personally in favor of the trail.

Numerous residents spoke during public comment, both in support and in opposition to the project. Many citizens are looking forward to using the trail and see the project as a positive investment in healthy recreation within the city. Other residents, particularly those whose homes will be adjacent to the project, voiced concerns that the trail will create an “attractive nuisance” and bring an “unsavory element” to the area.

The conclusion of the MND shows that there will be no significant environmental impacts after the proposed mitigation measures have been applied. Vice Mayor Slowey explained that this particular vote related only to the trail’s physical impact on the environment: “This isn’t the ending of negotiations. … We haven’t even seen the final design. … This is really about the environmental impact of this potential project.” The Council unanimously approved the resolution to adopt the project’s MND and the Mitigation Monitoring Plan.

 

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