Cleveland city councilmen address homeless encampment

*Attached video: Akron mayor proposes tiny homes for the homeless

CLEVELAND (WJW) – Cleveland city councilmen have issued a statement addressing a homeless encampment on the west side of the city that has left many residents concerned.

Councilman Brian Kazy and Councilman Charles Slife issued a statement Sunday about the homeless encampment that has formed on Lorain Avenue near West 144th Street, in the area of the Norfolk Southern Railroad.

“Many residents and business owners have contacted our offices about a homeless encampment,” the statement said . “As the elected representatives of your West Park community, we share your concerns and are advocating on your behalf for a quick and permanent resolution to this challenge.”

According to the statement, “illegal activity” has been reported in the area.

“We continue to request that Cleveland police monitor this area for illegal activity and to arrest those who have committed crimes,” the statement said.

According to Councilman Kazy and Councilman Slife, they are looking to hold the owners of the private property where the encampment is located accountable for allowing the encampment to take place.

“We understand and reinforce that being unhoused is not in and of itself a crime and that most unhoused people do not engage in criminal activity,” the statement said. “People become unhouse for various reasons and there is a natural and good desire to help those in their time of need.”

According to the statement, social workers from city hall are in contact with people staying in the encampment to connect them with social services.

“Preparations are underway by these property owners to remove individuals from their properties and to secure the site from future trespassing,” the statement said.

Click here to read the full statement.

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