Introduction and First Reading of An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gilroy Adding Chapter 5 to the Gilroy City Code Relating to Banning the Use of Certain Public Rights-of-Way as Sleeping or Living Accommodations
City of Gilroy City Council Page 7 of 8 June 5, 2023 1
1 31.6% of the total City area affected, however further map refinement requires an adjustment to the percentage. Below is the breakdown from the City’s GIS data of the total City area, and the total amount of area affected by this ordinance within the City limits:
Prohibition Areas Acreage
Schools 1,073.43
Preschools and Daycares 526.22
Parks 1,526.28
Water Division Wells 25.20
Gilroy Bridges 31.12
Railroad – Only the portion in City Limits 119.35
Under and Over Passes 20.99
City portion of the Creek 28.25
Subtotal of Prohibition Coverage 3,350.84
Duplicate Area Adjustment within City Limits -762.97
Proposed Area Covered by Prohibition 2,587.87
City Limits 10,586.75
Percent of City Area Affected by Prohibition 24.44%
Percent of City Area Not Affected by Prohibition 75.56% Enforcement
The ordinance does not criminalize sleeping in the open. It limits the locations, prohibiting the use of certain public rights-of-way from being used as sleeping or living accommodations. It provides that the only act subject to a misdemeanor is the refusal to relocate from a prohibited area when instructed to do so by a City employee.
Once the ordinance is adopted, the Quality of Life Officers and Community Development staff will engage our Local Service Providers Group to outreach to those within the prohibited areas during the 30-day waiting period for the ordinance to become effective. The intent is to allow the maximum time for accessing services from our local and regional service providers and attempting voluntary compliance. Enforcement is discretionary and subject to various staffing and budgetary constraints.
ALTERNATIVES
Council may choose to reject or modify the ordinance. Should Council determine to modify the proposed ordinance, the introduction process would be restarted with a new introduction and first reading.
Introduction and First Reading of An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gilroy Adding Chapter 5 to the Gilroy City Code Relating to Banning the Use of Certain Public Rights-of-Way as Sleeping or Living Accommodations
City of Gilroy City Council Page 8 of 8 June 5, 2023 1
1 FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
Adopting the ordinance will not have a financial impact on the City. The costs of advertising the ordinance, as well as enforcement of such policies, will be carried out through existing staff resources and financial resources that are already appropriated each year.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
This subject has been discussed at multiple public meetings. These include the following:
• July 5, 2022;
• September 12, 2022;
• March 20, 2023;
• May 15, 2023; and
• tonight’s meeting.
These discussions have focused on creating a policy to address unhoused individuals utilizing parks, creeks, and other public areas as living and sleeping accommodations.
In addition, the City Council created an Unhoused ad hoc committee, which developed 14 recommendations to help both the unhoused and to mitigate the effects of the unhoused on their neighboring communities.
Additionally, the City advertised this public hearing in the local newspaper and on the City’s website.
Upon adoption, the City will finalize and release informational materials and maps of the prohibited areas within City Limits and coordinate across departments to help maximize the outreach to those affected by the ordinance, as well as the public.
NEXT STEPS
Once introduced, the ordinance will be placed on the June 19, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting consent calendar for a second reading and adoption.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Ordinance with a map of affected areas as Attachment A.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 –
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GILROY
TEMPORARILY STAYING THE ENFORCEMENT OF CHAPTER FIVE OF THE GILROY CITY CODE FOR THE 6TH STREET ENCAMPMENT LOCATED ON ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER: 841-180-89
WHEREAS, 959 unhoused individuals in the City of Gilroy were counted in the 2025 Point-in-Time report issued by Santa Clara County, which is an 8% decrease from the 1,048 individuals counted in 2023, yet continues to reflect a significant unmet need for shelter and housing resources; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy adopted a resolution endorsing the Santa Clara County Community Plan to End Homelessness (2020-2025), which has guided the City and other nonprofits, government entities, and community members as they work to address the needs of unhoused individuals and is currently being updated; and WHEREAS, the South County is currently served by two shelters: the Gilroy Armory Shelter, a year-round shelter with a capacity of 100; and an inclement weather shelter, also known as the Ochoa Center which operates mid-December through midMarch, with capacity to accommodate 35 to 40 households with at least one minor dependent; and
WHEREAS, The City of Gilroy acknowledges the lack of shelter beds and housing currently available regionally and recognizes the systemic lack of state and federal investment in shelter and public health services for those experiencing homelessness; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy has two Quality of Life Officers in the Police Department who among other duties assist in connecting unhoused individuals with service providers and resources offered by the County of Santa Clara and nonprofit organizations and assessing and mitigating health and safety concerns of the unhoused; and
WHEREAS, after two encampments were cleared on property belonging to the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and Santa Clara County in November 2025, some unhoused individuals encamped on City property abutting the 6th Street Bridge, just north of the Miller Slough; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy and local service providers have supplied needed services for unhoused individuals at the 6th Street Encampment since formation; and WHEREAS, the 6th Street Encampment abuts the 6th Street Bridge and Chapter 5 of the Gilroy City Code bans the use of bridges and certain other public rights-of-way for camping, sleeping or living accommodations: and
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy issued a cleanup notice scheduled to occupants of the 6th Street Encampment for February 3, 2026 (since extended to Feb. 18, 2026) in alignment with the no camping provisions contained in Gilroy City Code Chapter 5; and WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy recognizes that the events that cause people to enter into homelessness are complex, while also acknowledging that the Santa Clara County is not equipped to provide living or sleeping opportunities for unhoused individuals in South County that will remain secure, sanitary and safe; and WHEREAS, Inhabitants of the 6th Street Encampment have attempted to selfgovern so as to minimize adverse impacts on their neighbors and the environment; and WHEREAS, following issuance of notice of a planned February 3, 2026 clean-up, several individuals and organizations spoke to the Council during public comment on January 26, 2026; and
WHEREAS, several individuals and organizations requested the City delay encampment closure; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GILROY:
SECTION A. Based upon the facts stated in the recitals above, the City Council of the City of Gilroy agrees that the encampment should be permitted to remain open for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from the adoption date of this resolution; and SECTION B. Based upon the facts stated in the recitals above, the City Council of the City of Gilroy hereby directs staff to temporarily suspend the abatement of the 6th Street Encampment for a period of XX days, during which time City staff will continue outreach, sanitation efforts, and facilitate coordination with County and nonprofit service providers; and
SECTION C. This temporary delay is made without prejudice and with no guarantee that the City, County, or any other agency or nonprofit organization will be able to provide supportive living or safe sleeping opportunities for unhoused individuals in Gilroy (including those in the 6th Street Encampment) in this time period or thereafter. It does not constitute a waiver of the City’s right to enforce its ordinances to require clearance of the 6th Street Encampment or any public property on which an individual or group may be violating Chapter 5 of the City Code.
ADOPTED this 9th day of February, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
_______________________________
Greg Bozzo, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Kim Mancera, City Clerk
7.2. City of Gilroy
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Pilot Below Market Rate (BMR) Preservation Program Update and Overall BMR Housing Program Overview
Meeting Date: February 9, 2026
From: Harjot Sangha, Interim City Administrator
Department: Community Development
Submitted by: Sharon Goei, Community Development Director Prepared by: Sharon Goei, Community Development Director, Christie Thomas, Housing and Community Services Manager
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS: Promote Safe and Affordable Housing for All
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a report on the Pilot Below Market Rate (BMR) Preservation Program and an overview of the BMR Housing Program.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A significant milestone for 2025 was the successful launch of the Pilot BMR Preservation Program, through which the City purchased and sold a senior BMR unit to another income-qualified household. The unit closed escrow on January 12, 2026. This Pilot Program, approved by the City Council in March 2025, demonstrates a viable model for preserving affordability, and staff believes it will guide future preservation efforts in partnership with the County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing.
In addition, this report provides an overview of the City’s BMR Housing Program. Over the past three decades, more than 300 affordable ownership units have been developed in Gilroy. Some units have been sold out of the program, gradually reducing the number of active deed-restricted homes. At this time, approximately 250 deed-restricted ownership units across 12 developments are active in the portfolio. Since assuming the portfolio in 2016, the City, supported by its Program Administrator, HouseKeys, since April 2017, has continued to preserve affordable housing units, assist income-qualified households, and meet Housing Element objectives, through monitoring, preservation
7.2. efforts, and down payment assistance programs.
Over the past year, the program achieved several key accomplishments. With City collaboration, the Program Administrator maintained daily customer service, processed resale and refinance transactions, improved portfolio data systems, hosted over 50 informational sessions, and expanded outreach to both homeowners and prospective buyers. Compliance monitoring was completed for 100% affordable rental developments. Enhanced outreach was initiated to BMR ownership communities in 2025. This effort has been positive, achieving a 64% compliance rate among homeowners contacted as of November 2025. The Program Administrator and the City are continuing to contact the homeowners to complete the compliance process.
Despite substantial progress, the program continues to face challenges, including complex inherited resale agreements, long-term portfolio attrition, limited local funding to acquire units, staffing demands, and instances of homeowner non-compliance that require staff and administrator intervention.
Regionally, the City remains active in collaborative affordable housing efforts, including participation in the Santa Clara County Planning Collaborative and monthly Countyhosted regional meetings.
Overall, the City’s BMR Program continues to expand its reach and effectiveness, supporting homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income households while working to preserve long-term affordability within Gilroy’s housing stock.
BACKGROUND
The City of Gilroy’s BMR portfolio currently consists of approximately 250 ownership single-family housing units within 12 developments. The majority of the portfolio was acquired by the City in 2016 following the closure of South County Housing and its successor agency, Neighborhood Housing Services Silicon Valley. Since 2017, the program has been administered by HouseKeys, serving as the City’s BMR Program Administrator.
The BMR portfolio includes a mix of senior and single-family homeownership developments. These homes are deed-restricted for 30 – 40 years, depending on the development, and are sold to low- and moderate-income households. Due to the diverse origins of the portfolio, the resale agreements vary across developments; however, each agreement includes restrictions that provide the City with the opportunity to preserve long-term affordability upon resale within the deed-restricted period.
Resale values are determined based on formulas outlined in the resale agreement. The City retains an equity share and, in most cases, the option to purchase the home within a 90-day window. Most BMR resale agreements also allow the house to be sold at fair market value after a designated time period.
7.2. In prior years, limited local funding and high resale values have restricted the City’s ability to purchase BMR homes when resold, thereby losing the option to preserve affordability. The Pilot Below Market Rate Preservation program, initiated in 2025, provides a new tool to address this challenge by leveraging loan funds from the Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing to purchase and resell certain BMR homes to income-qualified buyers.
Down payment assistance loans from various programs support most properties within the BMR portfolio. Examples are the BEGIN and CalHome programs, which originated from the State as grants to cities and counties to provide deferred down payment assistance to first-time low- and moderate-income homebuyers. As these down payment assistance loans are repaid to the City, the funds are deposited into City ReUse accounts, allowing continued issuance of down payment assistance to future low- and moderate-income homebuyers. Loan payoffs are deferred for 30 years or paid in full upon resale. Because most BMR resale homes have been sold out of the program, the City ReUse funds have grown, positioning the City to support additional affordable housing opportunities with down payment assistance.
The Housing Element describes many program goals that can be accomplished through the City's Below Market Rate program, including providing funding sources to assist homeownership, monitoring and resale controls on current portfolio owner-occupied below market rate units, preservation of below market rate units and their affordability, and the development of an affordable housing policy.
ANALYSIS
Program Accomplishments
Overall Program
Over the past three decades, more than 300 affordable ownership units have been developed in Gilroy, supported by over $3 million in down payment assistance for lowand moderate-income families, individuals, and seniors. Some units have been sold out of the program, gradually reducing the number of active deed-restricted homes. At this time, approximately 250 ownership units are active in the portfolio. The BMR program has enabled local households to achieve housing stability, build equity, and contribute to the local economy while preserving affordability within Gilroy’s neighborhoods.
Accomplishments
Administration of the program allows for the management of the day-to-day portfolio transactions, including daily customer service to homeowners, calculating loan payoffs, managing refinance and resale transactions, determining eligibility, updating the annual Santa Clara County income and rent chart, conducting virtual and in-person orientations and Q&A sessions (referred to on the administrator's website as FAQ sessions), and marketing the program to prospective buyers.
7.2. The current Program Administrator continues to develop and manage the HouseKeys City of Gilroy BMR website, www.housekeys5.com. They have created 20 different “How To” and “Info” videos related to the program, which are available on the website.
The website enables current homeowners to create accounts and log in to submit service requests, as well as prospective buyers to create IDs and enter lotteries for resale home purchases or to express their interest in ownership of and rental of belowmarket-rate housing units. Between January and November 2025, 258 new Gilroy Prospective Home Buyer applicants created user IDs, totaling 3,598 Gilroy Prospective Home Buyer Program Application IDs. An additional 70 Senior Home Buyer Program IDs were created to enter the lottery for the Pilot BMR Preservation Program Senior BMR resale unit. Between March and November of 2025, 203 new Prospective Gilroy renters created IDs, totaling 1,748 Gilroy Rental Program Applicant IDs.
From January to November 2025, administration of the program allowed for enhanced data management systems, response to 111 Gilroy-related phone calls, 63 miscellaneous service requests/questions, and provided portfolio management services to 14 current homeowners. The administrator provided an updated portfolio list and submitted quarterly reports to the City. Additionally, they collaborated with staff to update program guidelines and monitored compliance for both ownership units and 100% affordable apartment developments under City agreements.
Administration of the program included communication with existing BMR homeowners by conducting two in-person community meetings and one virtual meeting with apartment property managers. From January to November of 2025, there were 41 virtual general Q&A sessions and 8 general BMR Program orientations. Both current and prospective homeowners and renters are welcome to attend Q&A sessions, where they can ask questions in either Spanish or English.
Affordable Housing Preservation
Pilot Below Market Rate Preservation Program
Through the 2025 Pilot Below Market Rate Preservation Program, the City successfully purchased a low-income senior unit in the Village Green Development and resold it to another low-income senior household. Escrow closed on January 12, 2026. The pilot program demonstrates a feasible model for preserving a small number of BMR ownership units as they become available for resale.
Staff desires to continue implementing this model in partnership with the County, utilizing 12-month bridge loan at 0% interest from the County and the City’s Housing Trust Fund resources to purchase future BMR units as opportunities arise, and to provide down payment assistance to keep them affordable for low- and moderateincome households. 100% Affordable Apartment Development Compliance Efforts
7.2. The Program Administrator, in collaboration with City staff, conducts annual compliance monitoring of 100% affordable housing rental developments in Gilroy, as per their City agreement. Monitoring ensures that units remain income-restricted and are rented to qualified tenants at approved rent rates. This process also fosters stronger working relationships between City staff and property management teams, promoting consistent communication and facilitating early identification of issues.
In 2025, compliance monitoring packages were sent to all developments under agreement. Of the 12 developments monitored, eight (8) completed their compliance submissions, representing a compliance rate of 62% as of November 2025. The Program Administrator and the City will continue to work with the other four (4) developments to complete their monitoring process.
Ownership Unit Compliance Efforts
The Program Administrator and staff continued to expand outreach efforts to homeowners within the City’s 12 BMR ownership developments. They conducted two community meetings which included four developments. Afterward, compliance verification packages were mailed to 75 homeowners, with responses tracked for annual reporting purposes. As of November 2025, 48 (64%) homeowners returned compliance materials confirming adherence to resale and occupancy requirements. The Program Administrator and the City are continuing to contact the homeowners to complete the compliance process.
Program Challenges
Administrative Complexity
The City’s inherited portfolio includes varying restrictions, timelines, down-payment assistance loans, and affordability formulas across developments, requiring a timeconsuming, detailed review and individualized administrative handling for every transaction.
Portfolio Management Challenges
While administration of the program has achieved many successes with the Gilroy portfolio, it wasn’t without challenges. Staff turnover at both the City and Program Administrator levels has led to delays in completing some long-term project goals within the BMR program. For example, there is no adequate one-size-fits-all software solution to manage the BMR housing portfolio. As a result, the Program Administrator embarked on developing its own customized software to manage its clients' portfolios, but this has not been without challenges and customer service delays.
As noted above, the portfolio comprises a variety of resale and loan agreements, many of which require a complex, detailed process to calculate payoffs and equity shares, making these calculations difficult and prone to errors. This process, therefore, requires tremendous program administration staff and City oversight and necessitates the creation of a multi-layer review process. Because the majority of the portfolio is an
7.2. acquisition, an additional challenge has been obtaining an accurate portfolio unit and loan count; many original files were never accounted for, and some records are not available at the County Assessor level. City staff will continue to work with the Program Administrator to compile a comprehensive inventory list.
Financial Limitations
Limited funds in the local Housing Trust Fund constrain the City’s ability to exercise purchase options or expand program capacity. The Housing Trust Fund receives loan repayment or equity share payment from time to time when the City is notified of transactions initiated by property owners. Nevertheless, there is no anticipated timing for these payments, and there is no dedicated ongoing revenue stream for the Housing Trust Fund.
Program Attrition
Many BMR units have been sold out of the program, gradually reducing the number of active deed-restricted homes.
Homeowner Non-Compliance
A handful of BMR homeowners do not follow the guidelines outlined in their agreement, and the Program Administrator and City staff must investigate and work to bring the homeowners into compliance or demand that the unit be sold to another incomequalified household.
City Staffing Demands
Despite having a BMR Program Administrator, because this is a City program, City staff still receive almost daily communication from homeowners and/or their representatives, realtors, and title companies.
City staff must collaborate with the Program Administrator to update policies, guidelines, and procedures, discuss agreements and loan documents, and provide support on resale equity shares and loan payoff calculations, as well as general portfolio management and compliance matters. Due to the acquisition of the portfolio, ongoing historical portfolio research is necessary for most transactions. City staff must also assist with marketing the program via email campaigns and tabling at community events, among other activities.
Homeowner down payment assistance and 100% affordable apartment loans require monthly and annual loan portfolio reconciliation and state reporting. These functions are performed by City staff rather than the Program Administrator.
City staff must also manage the Program Administrator contract and monthly billing, receive and manage quarterly portfolio reports, attend weekly Administrator portfolio meetings, and participate in various outreach meetings.
The current Program Administrator contract expires on June 30, 2026, and City staff
7.2. has initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for a BMR program administrator, effective July 1, 2026. In recent years, the City has increased its priority on housing by creating a focused Housing and Community Services Division that enables the City to make more concentrated efforts to address housing needs across the community. While the City did not have such an internal Division in previous years and experienced prolonged challenges that have resulted in a heavy, accumulated workload to organize the City’s BMR portfolio, the current Housing and Community Services team members have been able to achieve incremental progress and will continue to build upon the successes accomplished to date to organize the City’s BMR program.
ALTERNATIVES
There are no alternative recommendations. This report is provided primarily for informational purposes.
FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
There is no fiscal impact to receiving this report. Fiscal impact related to the Pilot BMR Preservation Program was included in the adopted budget. No new appropriations are necessary at this time.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
The staff report is available through the City’s website, and this item was included on the publicly posted agenda for this meeting.
NEXT STEPS
For the Pilot BMR Preservation Program, as escrow successfully closed for the program’s first unit on January 12, 2026, the County loan is being paid off, and staff plans to purchase and resell another low-income BMR unit as it becomes available.
The current BMR Program Administrator contract expires on June 30, 2026. City staff initiated an RFP process for a BMR program administrator in December 2025.
Attachments:
None
8.1. City of Gilroy
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Request to Reopen the Wayland Parking Lot at Las Animas Veterans' Park
Meeting Date: February 9, 2026
From: Matt Morely, City Administrator
Department: Administration
Submitted by: Bryce Atkins, Deputy Director of Community Development Prepared by: Bryce Atkins, Deputy Director of Community Development STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS: Not Applicable
RECOMMENDATION
Council consideration of a future agenda item regarding the potential reopening of the Wayland Parking Lot at the Las Animas Veterans' Park.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
N/A
BACKGROUND
Council Member Carol Marques provided the attached FAIR Memo to Interim City Administrator Brad Kilger. Staff has reviewed the FAIR Memo, and Interim City Administrator Harjot Sangha approved its placement on this agenda.
This FAIR Memo requests an item to discuss the reopening of the Wayland Parking Lot at the Las Animas Veterans' Park. Should Council determine to proceed with this item for future discussion, staff time will be spent preparing the agenda item to discuss the following items, though more elements may need research and/or analysis:
• Public Works
8.1. o Logistics and costs of opening and closing the gate daily, including who is responsible (private security or GPD).
o Cost of addressing an ADA-compliant path of travel to and from the parking lot.
o Cost of lighting the path of travel to and from the parking lot. o Cost of parking lot infrastructure improvements, including ADA parking striping and signage, pavement rehabilitation, additional lighting, surveillance cameras, etc.
• Police
o Potential for increased patrols.
o Record of calls for service to the parking lot.
• Community relations
o Engagement with local community members to garner public input for Council consideration.
• Council considerations
o Metrics for determining whether and when the parking lot may need to be re-evaluated for closure, partial reopening, or full reopening.
ANALYSIS
None — this is a first step in the FAIR Memo process on whether the City Council would like to give direction for the item to be brought back to a future agenda meeting for discussion and potential action. Per the FAIR Memo, the original Council action involved closure of both the Wayland and Hanna parking lots. Further analysis will be conducted if the Council approves the topic for a future agenda and can include discussion regarding one or both of the closed parking lots.
ALTERNATIVES
Council may approve or deny the request for a future agenda item.
FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
None — this is a first step in the FAIR Memo process. A detailed fiscal impact analysis will be conducted by staff if the Council approves the topic for a future agenda.
8.1. PUBLIC OUTREACH
This item was included on the publicly posted agenda.
NEXT STEPS
If approved, staff will schedule the future agenda item at a subsequent Council meeting consistent with the Future Agenda Item Request Policy.
Attachments:
1. FAIR Memo: Las Animas Wayland Parking Lot
Las Animas Wayland Parking Lot
During covid, homeless were allowed to shelter in place in city parks and parking lots.
Unfortunately, under the leadership of the previous city administrator, police were not directed to do sweeps of the Wayland and Hanna Street Parking Lots at Las Animas Park when crime occurred.
Being the Wayland Parking lot is concealed, individuals set up camping in the parking lot and drug dealing and drug use became a lifestyle. There are neighbors who live right adjacent to this parking lot that got fed up with the criminal behavior. After enduring gang fights, weapons, and consistent drug use, a group of neighbors from the neighborhood got together and convinced the City Council to close both city parking lots permanently.
One neighbor gave the Council at a City Council meeting, a petition with 98 signatures in strong support of closing down the two parking lots – Hanna Street (because that is where she lived) and Wayland. Based on her petition and a few neighbors’ arguments that night, the Council voted to close the two lots. However, when she emailed the petitions to each of the Council members after the meeting and the petitions were looked over, there were only 20 valid signatures. The rest of the signatures were from different parts of the city and countryside which were not valid since the signers had never experienced firsthandwhat the neighbors were going through.
Since that time, the Gilroy Tennis Club Board members have tried to get the Wayland Parking lot re-opened. A gate was installed at the entryway to this parking lot which was to be locked at 10:00 every night. Any car refusing to leave, was to be towed at the owner’s expense. After two nights, our former city administrator suspended this policy because car owners were refusing to move. The city manager would not have them towed because he said it was too much work for the city employees—even though, the tow truck company would do all the paperwork.
So for three years now, this parking lot has been permanently closed. Our club would like to have it re-opened and policed correctly. My vice-president, Bob Nettleblad, and I have spoken with the Police Chief, various police officers and the mayor. Police and the police chief have said there is no problem in policing the lots.
It is important to have the Wayland Parking lot re-opened because of its close proximity to our tennis courts. At night with it getting dark so early, there are no lights between the handball courts and the Mantelli Parking Lot. We are walking in darkness and feel unsafe listening to the various voices in the park that we cannot see. We feel that keeping the lot closed, is a serious safety issue.
I have tried to set up a meeting with the home owners’ association to no avail. These people like the serenity of the closed lot and do not want to see it re-opened. However, it can be argued that every resident knew what he or she was moving next to when the home was purchased. This is a city owned park supported by tax payers. Tennis players, Little League families and people coming to walk their dogs have all been inconvenienced by a few people who want it kept closed for their own wishes.
It would never be suggested that the parking lot should be returned to its original crime ridden state. What is being suggested is that we open it on a trial basis and the police patrol the park regularly. The parking lot could be locked up first when the City’s security team comes on duty.
There are solutions that need to be addressed. Shutting down of city run property is not the way to deal with criminal activity. We want this activity extinguished not moved around the City. Opening up these lots on a trial basis to see what needs to be mitigated is the best way to get a win for all.
********************************************************** (We are arguing for the Wayland Parking lot but we have no objection to whatever is decided for the Hanna Street parking lot.)