In a contentious battle over what to do with homeless camps in the metropolitan area, the city of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County have united in an appeal to the New Mexico Supreme Court. This appeal comes after a judge recently ruled that city workers cannot remove these camps without taking specific steps beforehand. The ruling directly influences how the city handles homeless encampments and the property of homeless individuals.
Bernalillo County Commissioner of District 5, Eric Olivas, explained the county’s decision to support the city’s appeal by highlighting the potential impact on public spaces. Olivas expressed concerns about public parks turning into large-scale homeless camps once again, referencing the cleanup of Coronado Park in 2022. He emphasized the safety risks faced by individuals living in these encampments, including the potential for sexual and physical violence. Additionally, Olivas noted the trauma associated with such living conditions and the adverse effects on families and others who wish to enjoy public areas.
While voicing support for most aspects of the judge’s ruling, Olivas underscored the importance of addressing the camping allowance on public property and public spaces. The proposal put forth by Olivas at the Bernalillo County Commission meeting aims to endorse the city’s appeal to this particular section of the ruling. The county recognizes the significance of preserving individuals’ belongings, understanding that what they possess in their shopping carts or tents may be all that they own.
Olivas expressed optimism that the motion would pass, thus increasing the county’s voice in this matter and strengthening the city’s argument. Both the city and the county currently await the ruling from the New Mexico Supreme Court on the appeal.
The issue surrounding homeless camps has raised concerns about public safety, the well-being of the unhoused population, and the enjoyment of public spaces by citizens. The battle between the city and county underscores the complexity of addressing homelessness and societal challenges related to housing insecurity.
As this legal dispute continues, it remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will rule on the matter. In the meantime, both the city and the county are striving to find the most appropriate and compassionate ways to address the issue of homelessness in the metropolitan area.
