The measures would bar homeless people from living in parks, on sidewalks or other public property once shelter space is offered but only after enough shelter is built.
An environmental group has demanded the city and county of Sacramento remove 750 unhoused people camping out at the American River Parkway by the end of the year, citing multiple hazards tied to the homeless encampments that dot the 23-mile natural corridor.
The county’s chief park ranger says it’s a slow process and his authority is limited. But the regional parks department also removed more than 1,600 camps last year.
City leaders pledged by January they would open two new Safe Ground camping sites and a permanent respite center, in addition to various other shelters that are part of a larger homelessness plan. By the end of the month, none had opened.
Councilmember Mai Vang plans to hold community listening sessions to help determine the best use of the South Sacramento property. Early ideas include adding a new park.