PRESS RELEASE

July 10, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer

(510) 747-4714

Construction Begins on Cross Alameda Trail

Homeless population to vacate Sweeney Park

Jean Sweeney Open Space Park is a new 27-acre park that has been under design since 2014. Construction on the Cross Alameda Trail section through Sweeney Park, a bicycle/pedestrian trail that will ultimately cross the length of the island, is scheduled to begin this Wednesday, July 12, 2017, and will last for six months. This is the first of two funded phases, with the most eastern third of the park to start construction in the fall.    

Across the nation, including in the Bay Area and the City of Alameda, we have seen an increase in homelessness in recent years. Earlier this year, the Alameda City Council identified homelessness as one of its top priorities, and included $125,000 in the City’s adopted budget for homeless services and initiatives.

For safety reasons due to construction, the City of Alameda is moving out all homeless individuals living onsite at Jean Sweeney Open Space Park. Notices were posted throughout the park in June, and both the Alameda Police Department homeless outreach team and Operation Dignity case workers are meeting directly with each person to help them work out a plan. Over the last six months, case workers have helped secure permanent or interim housing for eight people, with almost ten other people on housing waiting lists.

Today, City staff, Operation Dignity, and the Alameda Police Department were on site to provide additional resources and assistance to the homeless people who are being asked to leave Sweeney Park. In addition, storage bins and free storage space are being provided as the City works to support and facilitate this move.

Effective immediately, No Trespassing will be strictly enforced, and anyone found onsite will be cited. This is for the safety of everyone since the entire area will be an active construction site. The Alameda Police Department will continue their enforcement across the City to ensure homeless encampments do not increase in other areas as a result.

The City of Alameda takes the issue of homelessness very seriously and compassionately, with the understanding that many homeless people in Alameda are long-time residents. Last September, a community meeting was convened on the issue of homelessness in Alameda and specifically in Sweeney Park. More than 80 community members attended, and the overwhelming desire among participants was to address the issue in a comprehensive way. The City’s Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB) is taking a leadership role to develop initiatives to address homelessness across the island.  

Following the community meeting, the City established a Homeless Action Plan Committee and Operation Dignity was engaged to conduct an initial assessment and provide case management services for at least 20 hours a week. Their mobile outreach team engaged with homeless individuals and gathered information on their housing history, mental health and substance abuse issues, veterans’ status, and background information. They are building ongoing relationships with Alameda’s homeless population and are providing direct resources that meet individual needs, including wellness and safety items.

“The City is very excited that construction is starting on Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, and will continue to provide compassionate homeless resources for people who were living in the park and homeless people throughout the City of Alameda,” stated Jill Keimach, Alameda’s city manager. For more information, please contact Amy Wooldridge, director of Alameda Recreation and Parks Department, at (510) 747-7570 or awooldridge@alamedaca.gov with questions.

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