By Mike Hazlip—
About 56 feet, as measured on Google Earth, separate a row of storage units for Coventry Square Condominiums from eastbound Interstate 80 in Citrus Heights.
In that 56 feet there is a chain link fence, some trees, grass, an embankment, and a homeless camp. There’s also a tent, a mattress, a garbage can, tarps, buckets, plastic tubs, debris, and the lower leg of a manikin sticking out of the ground with a boot.
Condominium association board member Greg Dunn told The Sentinel Monday some vehicles at the property have been broken into, a catalytic converter stolen, and residents have reported homeless individuals using the spa as a bathtub.
“They walk down the freeway from the Big Lots area,” Dunn told The Sentinel in a message Monday. “I see them walking along the freeway from our parking lot. I’ve even heard CHP loud speakers from the freeway telling them to get off the freeway.”
Coventry Square Condos is at 7409 Auburn Oaks Ct, and the Sacramento County assessor lists each condo as an individual parcel, but the land around it is unlabeled. Dunn says the land between the storage sheds and the chain link fence is private property, and police have told him the association is responsible for maintaining the property. He says the Citrus Heights police have been “very helpful” with directing the association in legal efforts to clean up the area.
Citrus Heights Police Lt. Chad Morris told The Sentinel in an email Tuesday that police are aware of the issue and are working with the association.
“Members of our POP/Impact team have been working with the owners, and they are aware they have the right to clean up any debris on their property,” Morris said. “It appears folks are bouncing between the Coventry Square property and the freeway (CHP/Caltrans jurisdiction).”
Morris said police have also contact the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and they are aware of the problem on the freeway side of the fence. The CHP said they will “get to it as soon as possible,” Morris said.
In an emailed response to a request for comment, California Highway Patrol Director of Communication Fran Clader told The Sentinel to contact the California Department of Transportation.
A Sentinel request for comment from Caltrans on Monday was not returned by press time Thursday morning.
Police say use of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CEPTED) techniques such as improved lighting and use of river rock in landscaping can reduce issues related to vandalism and discourage individuals experiencing homelessness from illegally camping on private property.
Dunn says the association is coordinating with a clean up crew that will begin by posting “no trespassing” signs in the area. The move will allow anyone living on the property time to collect their belongings and find another location.
Asked whether the 2018 court ruling in Martin v. Boise allows for the association’s plans to clean up the camp, Lt. Morris said the court ruling “does not affect private property, as it is unlawful to trespass on private property.”
“Martin v. Boise affects public lands and allows people to sleep, but NOT camp on public lands,” the lieutenant said, also noting the department seeks to gain voluntary compliance from those in violation. “In this case, camping is unlawful, and when this occurs, we post notices and provide a plethora of resources to those who are impacted, prior to taking any enforcement action.”
Dunn said he can empathize with those living on the streets, given his own life experience.
“I’ve been there, homeless, and a drug addict and over 18 years ago I was given a chance and today I’m a home owner,” he said. “I believe we need to get these folks being productive members of society, self-supporting through their own contributions.”
Despite the association’s efforts to clean up their property, Dunn understands the need for a more lasting solution to the issue.
“Moving the homeless from one location to another is not the answer,” he says. “Moving them into a sheltered facility cleaning them up and educating them on how to be self-supporting through their own contributions I think it is a great avenue.”
