Hundreds of Lemon Grove residents express concerns over recently approved sleeping cabins

LEMON GROVE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Just two days after 70 sleeping cabins were approved for a site in Lemon Grove, hundreds of local residents flooded a community forum to air their concerns.

The overwhelming majority felt the site was a surprise after county supervisors just recently rescinded a plan for the cabins in Spring Valley.

Flyers for the meeting promised information and questions answered in just one hour, instead several hours of a chaotic meeting ensued.

Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe attempted to address Lemon Grove residents, one of the communities she represents. Her office organized a “community outreach forum” that so many people wanted to attend, the original venue overflowed.

Hundreds made their way across the street to a recreation center where Montgomery-Steppe could hardly get a word in without interruption.

The proposed sleeping cabins would be located on a vacant lot near Troy Street and Sweetwater Road and house up to 140 people.

The county says the site would include 24/7 security, maintenance, case management and other resources. Some of the criteria before admission would include not being a registered sex offender, arsonist or anyone with a physical assault charge.

“Misinformation. Nobody has said anything about this. It seems like they’re trying to sneak it in,” said Sam Asmar, the Sweet Water Gas station owner.

Those living closest to the site feel blindsided.

“I don’t think this has been well thought out. It’s not a safe place to put people that are already compromised,” Tina Cupp said.

Just this week the state pulled $10 million in funding because the county didn’t have a solid plan in place for the tiny homes. One day later, a plan was finalized and approved by supervisors for the Lemon Grove site.

“This was a last ditch effort because they lost state funding for the other site here in Spring Valley,” Susan Hahn said.

Locals have questioned why approval landed before the forum ever took place.

Montgomery-Steppe’s team said in the last two weeks they canvassed about 170 homes and received more than 450 responses to a survey listed on flyers about the sleeping cabins.

Residents also voiced concerns about the dangerous road, no sidewalks, and last of other infrastructure at the Lemon Grove location.

Supervisor Montgomery-Steppe declined an interview in order to spend more time speaking with constituents. FOX 5/KUSI were not able to clarify when the next opportunity will be for people to weigh in on this project or if it is truly a done deal.

Montgomery-Steppe’s team sent a statement on her behalf reading:

“The Lemon Grove Community Forum allowed us to hear community concerns about the Troy Street Sleeping Cabins Project. We will continue to engage and provide the information necessary to address these concerns. I remain committed to providing solutions for homelessness while keeping all community members safe.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.