WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — Residents in a Winston-Salem neighborhood are unhappy about homeless encampments in their area and are frustrated by what they view as a lack of response from city officials.
The area along Cloister Drive and Buchanan Street has seen a rise in encampments behind the sound wall that separates the community from Interstate-40. Despite efforts to address the issue, residents say their complaints to local officials and the mayor’s office have gotten them minimal results. The state installed “No Trespassing” signs, but the signs have been largely ignored.
Kenneth Garland, who has lived in the area for 35 years, says the neighborhood has changed drastically.
“It doesn’t even resemble what I moved into 35 years ago,” Garland said.
He has taken photos showing trash, makeshift tents and people drinking and smoking in the area, which all violate the posted signs.
“I don’t want that beside my house where I live. We pay taxes, and the people in the city of Winston-Salem deserve better,” Garland said.