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Lebanon to pursue abatement at Champion Mill and increase enforcement after resident complaints about Berlin Road encampments
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Summary
City officials described a planned abatement at Champion Mill and said they will coordinate trespass enforcement and outreach after residents reported growing encampments and safety concerns along Berlin Road.
Lebanon city officials told residents on Dec. 10 that the city will begin an abatement process at the Champion Mill property and increase coordinated outreach and trespass enforcement after multiple citizens reported a recent uptick in encampments and safety incidents.
City Manager Ron said staff met with the Champion Mill property owners and that, after prior cleanup efforts failed to hold, “we would go through an abatement process. Basically, the city is going to go in and do the cleanup on this property.” Ron said the city will seek to recoup staff time and other costs from the property owner either through direct payment or a lien on the property.
Residents who spoke during public comment described camps, bonfires and theft along Berlin Road and near the ponds. One resident said, “I don't feel safe at all,” and asked what the city would do to address an area she estimated contains multiple camps. City staff said they would contact property owners and aim to post trespass notices and coordinate enforcement with the police department.
A police representative said officers bring service providers on outreach visits and offer referrals to shelter and services, but that many contacted individuals decline help or fail to follow through. The police representative described trespass citations and court processes used when enforcement occurs and noted limits in available jail space and the recurring problem of people failing to appear in court.
Ron told council the abatement approach is intended to make the site more visible and reduce opportunities for repeated occupation: city crews will mow vegetation, arrange dumpsters and perform cleanup while environmental testing is completed. He said the property owners have agreed to pay for dumpsters and that the city will seek reimbursement for labor and other costs.
Councilors and staff emphasized coordination with property owners as a necessary part of the process, and encouraged residents concerned about encampments outside city limits to contact their county commissioners. The council did not adopt a new city ordinance at the meeting; staff said the abatement plan and coordinated enforcement are the next steps.
The council adjourned the regular session and planned to reconvene in executive session after a short break. The Champion Mill abatement plan and follow-up enforcement were described as the immediate actions; staff said they would report back to council as the cleanup proceeds.
