Meeting addresses Lapis Road homeless camping

Monday, people weighed in on the ongoing issue of homelessness and illegal camping on Lapis Road, as the people living their have been told they have only days to clear out.

The meeting was hosted by supervisor Jane Parker whose district includes Lapis Road. She’s behind a proposal that will allow the people camping there to stay from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m but, it’s an idea getting a mixed response.

Only a few days until those camping along Lapis Road are supposed to move on. Just weeks ago, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office gave notice to more than 60 different camps to be gone by the end of the month.

Officials say the area outside Marina has become a health and safety hazard. Monterey County Supervisor Jane Parker wants the county to consider a temporary safe parking program.

“[It] would give permission for people to park overnight out on Lapis Road for a period of time and we’re saying essentially until November 30th or until a safe parking program is in place,” Parker said at Monday’s meeting.

Still, those living on Lapis Road say even that proposal doesn’t necessarily solve their problem, in part because many can’t afford the gas in and out of the area.

“You only get seven miles to a gallon in an RV,” said Bella Maddox, who lives on Lapis Road, “Who has the money to put gas in there everyday to drive around?”

Still Maddox says she’s grateful that they’re at least looking at solutions.

“I appreciate what the city is trying to do to help us find a safe parking spot but it needs to be 24 hours a day,” Maddox said, “It can’t be 12 hours a day because we just can’t do it.”

Those who don’t live there are also questioning the proposal and how it impacts where they live.

“The solution isn’t going out there and telling them at 10 o’clock in the morning that they have to pack up and move their vehicle every single day,” said one Marina homeowner, “Because they’re going to move it right in front of my house.”

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on a proposal for short term safe parking at their Tuesday afternoon meeting.