Homeless camp under Massachusetts highway spreading chaos into neighborhood, some say
SOMERVILLE - Concerns are growing over a homeless camp that has popped up under a Massachusetts highway.
The area under Interstate 93 in Somerville is shielded in blue tarp that surrounds furniture and children's toys. There are cars speeding in front of it, behind it, and overhead on the Southeast Expressway.
From under the highway to condo lobby
"I just had a package opened and stolen," one neighbor told WBZ-TV.
The woman, who did not want to be identified, owns a condominium at 60 Cross Street, a luxury building across the street from the encampment.
Another resident shared a photo of someone sleeping in the building's vestibule. "Entered in, fell asleep, peed in the building, and stole packages," the woman said.
"There was somebody intoxicated, I think laying there and an ambulance came and then I saw the person try to get away," said Chris Elrod, who lives in the building.
Jason Ferraro, who lives down the street, said the trash piles up.
"You see the police out there, and the fire department, as well as ambulances. Those resources are being called, and most of the time it's for people that are passed out on the side of the road," he told WBZ.
Somerville's response
A spokesperson for the city of Somerville said community outreach workers have had some success moving people from the encampment to warming centers.
"We have been working with our nonprofit and community partners to increase outreach and support aimed at assisting these residents with warming, shelter, housing, and the services that can support the goal of accessing and accepting shelter," the spokesperson said.
MassDOT leaving it under the highway for now
But the encampment is still there. And the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which is in charge of the property under the highway, doesn't plan to move it right away.
"We have participated in a number of meetings with City officials and community advocates and a decision was made to leave the encampment in place during the winter months," a MassDOT spokesperson said in a statement to WBZ. "The encampment will be moved in the Spring for scheduled maintenance and inspection activity."
Finding a "better place"
"I think right now the focus really has to be on offering these residents a better place," said Massachusetts State Rep. Mike Connolly, who's urging city officials to take action. "There have been reports of sexual activity, there have been reports of other sort of weapons and open flames."
Some residents say the situation has gotten worse since so many were displaced from Boston's infamous tent city at Mass and Cass.
"Any place would be better than near the highway," said Connolly.
