Residents and council press for action on Biloxi encampments, CSX property cleanup

Residents and city officials at a Biloxi City Council meeting renewed calls for action on homeless encampments, abandoned tents and litter along rail right-of-way and at Broadwater, and discussed possible cleanups, code enforcement and coordination with CSX.

Several residents described ongoing problems in neighborhoods near the CSX corridor and Broadwater. Bob Silvestro, a resident who said he has worked with neighbors, told the council, “I walked into the woods. I paid some of the homeless. They came out and picked up the trash.” George Eldred, another resident, detailed repeated break-ins, fires and human waste in areas he said are used for encampments.

Council members and staff reported continued cleanup and enforcement activity but said challenges remain. Councilman Glavin said crews had cleared people from a property but that tents and trash remain; Councilman Lawrence and others said they want the city to remove abandoned tents and charge landowners when appropriate. Councilmember Newman said CSX had given a date to clear property but that she doubted CSX would follow through and urged the city to be prepared to act.

Police indicated arrests have been made for trespassing. The chief (not specified) told the council, “We’ve made several arrests, sir. Yes, sir.” The police also said they had not found evidence of large bus drop-offs to a local mission; staff reported Back Bay Mission confirmed it has not received busloads of people, and the origin of some arrivals remained unclear.

Council members discussed options the city can pursue, including code enforcement proceedings, demolition for unsafe structures, increased patrolling of affected properties, and targeted cleanups that the city could bill to property owners. No formal motions or votes were recorded; council members asked staff to continue monitoring, to pursue code enforcement where appropriate, and to coordinate with CSX and other property owners about cleanup and access.

The council also heard from public-works and neighborhood staff about requests to repair streets and do limited paving near commercial properties, and from residents urging a citywide approach to a problem they said impacts tourism and neighborhood safety. Several council members said the issue may require cooperation with regional agencies and service providers as well as local enforcement.

No ordinance changes or funding decisions were made at the meeting. Council members said they would follow up with department heads and the police to report on next steps at a future meeting.