Gilroy Could Begin Clearing Encampments At Parks, Council To Discuss

GILROY, CA — The Gilroy City Council will consider potentially removing unhoused people from public parks at its meeting Tuesday.

The city has received complaints from “numerous” community members “expressing concern for their safety at public parks in Gilroy, including Christmas Hill Park and Miller Park” over the past couple months, according to a staff report.

City staff recommended that the council evaluate and consider enforcing the city’s no-camping ordinances that could include connecting unhoused people to shelters.

“By taking a compassionate approach to enforcing Gilroy’s no-camping ordinances, the City could offer unhoused individuals more opportunities to receive the vital services that they need, and at the same time, Gilroy could also help to make its public parks safer for everyone,” the staff report reads.

Staff also claimed that a number of people living in RVs in Gilroy pose a “safety hazard to the inhabitants and community members, due to sanitation issues and fire hazards.”

If the city chooses to begin clearing encampments, staff noted that it could face legal challenges.

The meeting begins on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the council chambers. Click here for the staff report.