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Commissioners discuss Harris Park, county lots and ordinance options for camping
Summary
The board debated options for county-owned lots near BMCC and Harris Park, including whether to pursue an ordinance to exclude camping at specific sites, and discussed cleanup, alternative uses and legal limitations on removing people without alternatives.
Commissioners discussed county property near Blue Mountain Community College and Harris Park, exploring whether to pursue ordinances or cleanup measures to reduce camping and address safety and access concerns.
Chair (S1) and other commissioners raised options including targeted cleanups, crafting an ordinance to exclude camping at a particular site and repurposing county lots for recreation (for example, BMX or other uses). One commissioner suggested the county start with cleanup and outreach rather than immediate displacement; staff cautioned about constitutional limits on time, place and manner restrictions and the need to avoid removing people without alternatives.
Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with county law enforcement and community partners and to bring back options, including whether an ordinance excluding Harris Park from overnight camping would be legally supported. They also discussed existing signage and nearby properties that might accommodate recreation uses rather than leaving lots vacant.
No vote was taken; staff will follow up with options and legal analysis.
