Homelessness: John Day discusses a designated camping area
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, August 16th, 2023 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY – The City of John Day held a Town Hall Tuesday night to discuss an ordinance that establishes camping regulations and a campsite removal policy within the city of John Day.
Mayor Heather Rookstool said new legislation passed in the state would allow anyone, including homeless persons, to camp anywhere on the city’s property unless there is a designated camping area established by the city. Rookstool said she met with officials from other cities within Grant County recently to discuss the matter.
The mayor noted that John Day City Council is taking proactive action and considering a designated camping space to be next to the City Hall parking lot, next to an apartment building on E. Main St.:
“That would be an area that is big enough to dedicate, as well as in the right area of town where you’re close enough to services, because that’s another thing that comes with the rules of the ordinance. You can’t put them ten miles out of town on a dirt road, because they have to be able to get to services.”
The audience was provided with a draft of the ordinance and documents highlighting the campsite removal policy. A concern among community members included safety for both residents with an address, as well as the homeless campers if the designated camping area were established. There were also questions about how the area could affect neighboring property values.
No action was taken at the town hall. Regular John Day City Council meetings are typically held every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
