City crews have removed a makeshift homeless encampment built on top of a bus shelter in Brentwood, Los Angeles, after footage showed a man living around 8ft above street level with his possessions.
The shelter stands at the junction of Wilshire Boulevard and Barrington Avenue, where it is used by several bus routes. The clean-up took place on Monday, September 28, after the unusual camp was brought to the attention of city officials.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the operation had been carried out at her direction and that officials were attempting to connect the man with support services.
“People cannot live on top of bus shelters,” Ms Bass said. “At my direction, City crews responded to clear this location today, and we are working with the Council Office to connect the individual with services.”
Brentwood bus shelter falls under anti-camping rules
The location is covered by Section 41.18 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, which restricts sitting, sleeping and the storage of personal belongings in designated parts of the public right of way.
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park, who represents the area, welcomed the removal of the encampment.
“No. You can’t set up a homeless encampment on top of a bus shelter. Nice try though,” Ms Park said.
Metro said the majority of bus stops in the city are owned and maintained by Los Angeles rather than the transport agency. It confirmed that the Wilshire Boulevard and Barrington Avenue stop is maintained by the city and serves multiple bus lines.
The scene prompted mixed reactions from local residents. One said the situation was “sad” but added that they did not like it, while another said: “I love our city, so I’ll stick with that.”
A further resident said the city needed to provide more support and tackle housing costs, arguing that unaffordable accommodation was contributing to the problems seen at bus stops.
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority figures released in July estimate that 29,115 people are living without shelter in the city, a 7.9 per cent increase on the previous year.
Bus stops have become a recurring focus of disputes over homelessness in Los Angeles. Crews previously cleared an encampment in Hollywood, while a bus bench near MacArthur Park was removed after people began camping there.
City officials have not said whether the man removed from the Brentwood shelter accepted accommodation or other assistance after the clearance.
