Council backs expanded task force and a 4–6 week plan on Bell & Kramer encampment, directs staff to explore emergency shelter

The City Council voted to amend its earlier action on the encampment near Bell and Kramer, directing outreach teams to notify remaining occupants, adding neighborhood representatives to the task force, and asking staff to report back within a 4–6 week window with options for safe relocations or emergency overflow shelter. The amended resolution also asked staff to explore an administratively feasible path for emergency sheltering or a safe-camping site that could provide restrooms, running water and other basic infrastructure.

During public comment residents and outreach workers offered sharply different accounts of how many people remained at the site and whether outreach offers had been accepted. Emily Hawkins, a Ward 1 resident, told council she “would ask to please postpone” removal until outreach and safety plans were in place. Council members who supported the amendment said the change formalizes the work the PATH/outreach team has been doing and gives neighborhood residents a seat at the table; others said they wanted stronger time-bound action. The 4–6 week window is intended as a final effort to produce a relocation plan; if staff cannot secure alternatives or voluntary relocation, council authorized staff to return with enforcement options.