SF can now clean up homeless encampments under freeways following agreement with Caltrans
By Luz Pena
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced on Wednesday a partnership with Caltrans that will lead to cleaner on and off ramps in the city.
San Francisco officially has the authority to address homeless encampments and debris under highways. It’s something that hasn’t been possible since technically everything under or around the freeways is the state’s jurisdiction.
“The first thing and the last thing people see are our on ramps and off ramps and I want those spaces to reflect the beauty of San Francisco and now we are going to be able to do that,” said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.
Mayor Lurie signed the agreement with Caltrans that he says will help city departments tackle both the behavioral health and homelessness crisis.
“It allows us to go out every single day and clear debris, clear encampments and make sure that those that are struggling with addiction and mental health issues get into the right kind of beds, and that is what we’ve been talking about since day one,” said Mayor Lurie.
Historically, San Francisco hasn’t been able to address this issue under freeways because it’s state property. That changes now.
“It’s called a delegated maintenance agreement. The state is per-authorizing us to do the work in these areas,” said Public Works Executive Director Carla Short.
In a statement, Caltrans acting director Dave Ambuehl said in part:
“This partnership reflects our shared responsibility and mutual accountability in tackling this urgent issue.”
Caltrans gave the city’s Public Works department the green light to focus on eight locations, the most visible to people arriving or leaving the city.
“If we are going to resolve an encampment, we do the public notifications and then we will go in several days later with a multi-agency team. Leading with services first and offering shelter and help and ultimately cleaning the area,” said Short.
Randy Shaw, executive director of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, is concerned that moving people from under the freeways into help won’t be easy.
“We have a problem in San Francisco where the vast majority of people on the streets don’t want shelter or housing that has not been the case in the past historically, but that is how it is now and so they come here and they want to come hang out on the sidewalks and we have to stop that,” said Shaw. “Before we claim some major victory, let’s say this is a good start, and then let’s see each other in three months and see if a difference has been made.”
San Francisco said this work started on Wednesday.