Emotions ran high at a homeless encampment near a San Jose park as the city began sweeping the streets that unhoused residents called home.
Two years ago, the city cleared the sprawling homeless encampment near Columbus Park that sits under the flight path of Mineta San Jose International Airport, after the Federal Aviation Administration threatened to withhold millions in federal funding. But dozens of homeless residents have returned with RVs and trailers lined along Asbury, Irene and Spring streets. A tractor with a jaw crusher was being used onsite to sweep up debris and smash trailers.
As sweeps begin again, many residents with inoperable vehicles are worried their makeshift homes and personal belongings will be towed or destroyed, leaving them with nowhere to go. A young girl walks around the encampment in tears, hoping someone could help move her trailer before it gets crushed.
