Debate unfolds as a library parking lot becomes the prospective site for overnight stays by the city’s homeless population.
SAN DIEGO — The City of San Diego, in a bid to enhance its Safe Parking program, is exploring the prospect of expanding the initiative to support its unhoused residents living out of their vehicles. Yet, the selection of a new lot adjacent to the Malcolm X Library has stirred anxieties amongst local residents.
The city administration has earmarked the parking area of the Malcolm X Library in the Emerald Hills neighborhood as a potential location to inaugurate a fifth Safe Parking lot. These lots offer a safe place for those without shelter to park and sleep overnight, before moving on the following day.
However, the proposed site is facing resistance from local residents who are apprehensive about its proximity to a neighboring school and a newly erected Live Well Center. They argue that the presence of these vital community spaces raises questions of safety and security.
“These people need services — they really do need help. But I don’t know if the parking lot is the best solution for this because there are other families and kids that we need to keep in mind just to keep them safe,” expressed Carla Dorantes, a regular library user working with at-risk youth, in her interview with FOX 5.
Adding weight to this perspective, resident Mark Anthony, who works with children experiencing learning difficulties, shared, “Kids first, safety for children first, period. The homeless issue is a tough issue, but the bottom line is I’m for not having anything near where kids go to get education.”
Contrasting these views, individuals like Michael Smith, who once relied on the Safe Parking program with his family, underscore its importance. “I think it’s a great idea that they turn this into Safe Parking because there’s not enough shelters out there as it is,” Smith said. “If we can get another Safe Parking out in our community then it’s going to better a lot of people’s lives.”
The city currently operates four safe parking sites, which include two round-the-clock lots in Mission Valley and Bay Ho and two limited-hour lots in Serra Mesa and Kearny Mesa.
City officials clarified that the Malcolm X Library parking lot is only one of 11 potential locations under consideration. They also added that any final decision on the matter will necessitate careful deliberation and time.
As the debate continues, local activist Shane Harris has begun rallying support for alternative site selection. “We’re not opposed to homeless people. We have stepped up many times to help people in need, but this is not the proper location for trying to meet the needs of those folks,” asserted Harris.
Echoing this sentiment, Monica Montgomery-Steppe, the City Councilwoman representing the district, has voiced her preference for a safe parking site elsewhere.
