closed #183572
Other
- Case Date:
- 4/25/2023
I have a large and growing homeless encampment behind my home at 2431 S. Bryan Street as documented in the photo above. In the fall of 2022, this property (located to the west of the B-Line trail, between the B-Line and S. Bryan Street/S. Camden Drive) became the site for a homeless encampment. Initially, it was a couple of tents and tarps. However, gradually it has gotten much larger, including several more tents and many old tires, several shopping charts, and numerous pallets. Surrounding the camp on all sides is a large and growing volume of scattered garbage and debris. Earlier this month, camp inhabitants started parking a car on the property on a makeshift driveway off S. Camden Drive. The campers are also collecting and storing firewood in shopping carts. Several times a week, there are fires in the woods. I live at 2431 S. Bryan. The encampment was initially 125-150 feet from my home. However, over the last few days, a tent has appeared approximately 25 feet from the property line. Next week, my 26-year-old daughter will be staying alone in my house. With the growth of the homeless encampment, I am very concerned about her safety. Last fall, when she was also here alone, a man who appeared to be homeless tried to force his way into the house. In my view, a growing encampment that is moving very close to my house is an unacceptable safety concern. Obviously, this is a zoning violation. But it is creating conditions that increase the likelihood of crime, as the people living in the homeless encampment lack the basics of shelter, plumbing, and food security. Within the last week, two ”Private Property, Keep Out” signs have been posted along the B-Line trail in areas immediately adjacent to the encampments. It is unclear, however, who put these signs up, as the inhabitants may be trying to limit the size of their camp. The encampment is on Parcel # 53-08-09-300-045.000-009 in Bloomington. According to public records, the owner of the property is Cmdr 2 LLC. The address for the homeless encampment is listed as “S Walnut St, Bloomington, 47401.” It appears to have been part of a larger land parcel that was divided by B-Line trail. The address for Cmdr 2 LLC is listed as 3115 S Highway 37 Bloomington, In 47401. But per the Secretary of State's office, the address is 3535 Spring Branch Road, Bloomington, IN, 47401, USA. The registered agent is Michele Jones, 9389 Rockwood Court, Noblesville, IN, 46060. This can be resolved either by the City of Bloomington enforcing its zoning laws or by the owners of the parcel filing a complaint of criminal trespass. I am hoping this communication will spur action by the City, the parcel owners, or both. Bill Henderson, 812-361-3726. wihender@gmail.com