Sausalito Marin Scope
The Marin seaside hamlet of Sausalito has issued a new statement on its website explaining why it created a Tent City for the homeless in a municipal park.
The controversial plan reserves Marinship Park for a homeless encampment under an agreement with a federal court judge. The move makes the park unusable for other civic events and uses. But, it also allows the city to legally manage all homeless by putting down-and-out people into one area to sleep.
The cost is growing, on track to top a million dollars a year. And, while it may be safer for the homeless and more organized for the city, it has increased crime in the area, requiring a greater police presence.
Amid growing concern, the city issued this statement to explain what it is trying to do at Marinship Park.
“The City of Sausalito is committed to treating all individuals experiencing homelessness with compassion and dignity. As such, Sausalito is dedicated to acting expeditiously and cooperatively to eliminate the need for the Marinship Park tent encampment by continuing, and expanding, partnerships and collaborations focused on identifying and/or creating a range of housing opportunities for persons who have no alternative for sleeping indoors.
“Sausalito is in partnership, or is actively seeking alliances, with other governmental agencies, nonprofits, grantmaking organizations and private funding sources. Our partnerships include, but are not limited to, Marin County, the Marin Housing Authority, the Richardson’s Bay Regional Agency, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and the State of California.
“Sausalito is cognizant of the impacts an encampment has on the general public, including the public’s use of Marinship Park, as well as the impacts on surrounding businesses, property owners, neighbors, and municipal services. Sausalito is committed to mitigating such impacts and to ensuring that the encampment is a safe environment for the campers and the general public.”
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