( KRON ) — The City of Oakland closed an encampment in West Oakland that had stood for years, finding shelter for 25 residents and clearing 40 tons of trash, it announced Friday.
The encampment was in the area of Martin Luther King Jr. Way between 20th Street and 25th Street, underneath Interstate 980. The city said the move was made due to an increase in crime in the area, including a double homicide on Sept. 2.
“We must focus on returning spaces to the public and do so by leading with compassion,” said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “I am grateful for the collaborative efforts of our city departments, who worked with Alameda County and the CHP in clearing the encampment in a safe and efficient way while offering shelter to all of the residents.”
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The city said 35-40 people were living at the encampment. Sixteen people relocated to a community cabin program, nine enrolled in an Alameda County medical respite program, one was hospitalized with two broken legs and 12 declined shelter, opting to relocate.