AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin City Council Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes is responding to a growing homeless encampment that has neighbors concerned.
People living nearby have talked about drug use, trash piling up and vandalism.
The area is on Bluff Springs Road near William Cannon Drive in southeast Austin. Fuentes’ district covers this area.
KXAN reported last week on the property and how it is filled with trash, fires out in the open, drug paraphernalia and more.
On Monday, Fuentes followed up on social media saying she was working with city and county staff “for months to resolve this.”
Fuentes went on to say that the city of Austin “cannot enforce trespassing laws without the owner’s consent.” She noted the city has been working to contact the owner’s representation. Fuentes added that the Austin Police Department, as well as Travis County law enforcement continue responding to 911 calls for emergencies and criminal activity in the area.
“APD is authorized to enter the property in response to 911 calls. HEB’s Security Team is also monitoring the area,” Fuentes said.
Furthermore, Fuentes said code enforcement is working to secure a contractor to do consistent clean-ups. She said her office is going to follow up with the city attorney about legal actions. Her office is working with the Homeless Strategy Office on outreach efforts, while she also understands shelter space is limited.
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