WATSONVILLE — New fencing, topped with barbed wire and razor wire — a bold “stay out” statement — has been installed this week at the edge of a bridge over Watsonville Slough on Harkins Slough Road behind Ramsay Park.
Michelle Templeton, assistant director of public works, said the fence is a response to an ongoing homeless camp nuisance over the years.
“We had to do something to protect the slough and the water,” she said. “We all know this is a popular homeless camp access point. We see the trash keep piling up and this is not healthy for our environment. It’s a fire safety issue as well and it’s also about protecting water quality.”
Templeton said the city has had staff routinely hauling “stuff” out of the area for more than a decade. She added that city staff has put a lot of effort in cleaning up homeless camps around Watsonville and that the chore is a constant drain on the system.
Indeed, the homeless camp access point on the bridge behind Ramsay Park is a continuous reservoir of shopping carts loaded with personal belongings. Watsonville Police routinely visit the spot and chase people out.
“We just want the area to be safe and clean,” Templeton said.
