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Residents urge action after encampment near Kramer/Bell Street as council seeks interim shelter options
Summary
Dozens of residents described repeated trespassing, thefts and reports of drug use and sexual assault tied to a growing encampment near Kramer/Bell Street and urged the council to seek rapid interim sheltering and safety measures. Council members said they would pursue county partnerships and consider a resolution to remove the encampment if an acceptable interim housing solution is not reached.
Dozens of residents told the Ypsilanti City Council during the public-comment hour that a growing encampment behind Kramer and Bell streets has become dangerous for neighbors and vulnerable people living there.
"They're coming up to my property and sleeping in my property and getting high," said a resident who identified herself as Unique, describing repeated trespassing, stolen property and a fatal incident she connected to encampment activity. Others described stolen bikes and cars, drug use, reports of sexual assault and children observed near tents.
Several speakers asked the council to prioritize safety measures — more lighting, cameras and monitoring — and to press the county and outreach providers for interim shelter options. "Doing nothing doesn't fix," Council member Simmons said in response, calling for an intentional, resourced effort that includes public-health supports and partnerships with county and mutual-aid providers.
Council members recounted a recent site visit and said they had scheduled follow-up meetings with the PATH outreach team and county partners. Council member King said she was asking to be included in an upcoming county meeting and planned to bring a resolution to the next council meeting asking the city and neighboring jurisdictions to act more quickly.
Several participants urged the city to pair enforcement with services. "We can be more intentional. People need support," Council member Simmons said, emphasizing harm-reduction and sheltering as components of any response.
The council did not adopt a formal removal order at the meeting. City staff and council members said they would pursue coordinated outreach and sheltering conversations with PATH and county officials and would return with options, including a possible resolution on the next agenda to authorize more immediate action.
What's next: Council members said staff will continue county coordination and outreach to providers; a resolution seeking further action was proposed for the council's next meeting.
