Board and councilors discuss cleanup along CSX easement; seek cost estimate and permissions

Board and council members raised concerns about homeless encampments and overgrown brush along the railroad right-of-way adjoining parks and asked staff to develop cost estimates and permission pathways for cleanup.

Councilor Tom and others said constituents reported people camping in brush near the tracks and that a sweep earlier this year had moved people along temporarily. Tom asked whether CSX or utility easements might limit the city’s ability to clear the area; parks staff said “CSX has that easement and they won't let us on there without an act of Congress,” and added that the easements combined were about 110–115 feet in width and that some portions are outside city jurisdiction.

Board members discussed in-house versus contracted options for vegetation and encampment removal. Staff suggested using city crews and rented equipment — for example, a bobcat fitted with a grinder attachment to remove woody brush — and noted costs would include equipment rental and operator time. No firm dollar estimate was given at the meeting; members asked staff to research costs and whether CSX or utility owners would permit or assist with clearing.

Members also emphasized connecting people who are unhoused with social services rather than only removing encampments. Councilor Rick Wells and others asked staff to research whether partnering agencies or reuse-authority funds could contribute and requested a presentation to the council with a cost estimate prior to any council funding decision.

Outcome: Direction to parks staff to develop a cost estimate and to reach out to CSX, utilities and possible partners; no funding decision was made at the meeting.