Albuquerque neighborhood seeks city’s help with homeless encampment

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Some residents in an Albuquerque neighborhood are frustrated with a homeless encampment set up right next to their homes and businesses.

For more than a year, one neighborhood has been dealing with a homeless encampment at a vacant property on Utah and Chico off of Central. According to neighbors, the camp sometimes gets cleared out by the city, but tents always spring back up.

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“The problems aren’t remedied and solved. They just come right back in 24 hours and here we have this encampment again,” said a nearby neighbor who wanted to stay anonymous.

Neighbors said the last time the area was cleared out was a month ago. Neighbors have reached out to the city through 311, but feel helpless. “A lot of the times, we don’t really like to work outside at all because it’s not safe,” said an employee speaking on behalf of a nearby business.

Between the crime, litter, and smell, they are concerned about living near the homeless camp. They hope something can be done to block off the area and prevent people from moving in. “There’s been instances of fires, injuries, fights, theft, all coming from that little encampment,” said the anonymous employee.

In a statement from the city, they said they are aware of illegal camping in the area and are working to address the issue. They also said a notice of violation is being sent to the property owner for a use not allowed in the zone district.

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