LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A group of neighbors in one part of the Las Vegas Valley want homeless camps cleared, and created a small petition to call for NDOT to take action.
NDOT says crews are returning Thursday to the stretch of the U.S. 95 that runs along Rosewood Drive, where camps intermittently set up on the sides of the highway. Crews recently paid a visit August 28.
The area behind the fence to the freeway is state property and the responsibility of NDOT to maintain.
There are fliers on streetlights across the neighborhood, urging people to “demand immediate NDOT action” and to scan a QR code and view and sign a petition.
When FOX5 arrived over the past few days, there were some tents behind fences under trees, and two tents creeping into the neighborhoods. One of the trees recently caught fire, and scorched debris was left behind.
“They set up a little Taj Mahal,” said decades-long resident June Maes, who is concerned about the camps. Homeless individuals cut through fences to set up tents. There is debris or shopping carts left on sides of the road, and other people end up camping on public streets near homes. It’s up to Clark County Code enforcement and public works to clear camps that end up in neighborhoods.
“It’s a horrible situation when you have homeowners that want to have a nice community and take care of the property, and then you have this happening, and we feel helpless,” Maes said.
NDOT tells FOX5, across the Valley, the agency has had to tackle the growing number of encampments that line the highways, and the immense manpower has put a strain on the agency: $6.6 million has been spent on cleanups over the past 14 months. From January to June, an average of 2,981 yards of trash and debris are collected every month.
Maintenance crews were busy two miles north, Wednesday, tackling a massive encampment off Sahara and the U.S. 95. When FOX5 went there, neighbors said the area was a massive improvement from hours before, though numerous tents and debris could still be seen.
Emergency road work must always remain the priority of maintenance crews, a NDOT spokesperson said, and there may be delays to tackle encampments if crucial repairs arise.
Other factors that cause delays: dispatching workers from Help of Southern Nevada to assist the unhoused and offer resources, and bringing Metro Police to escort maintenance crews — all to avoid any dangerous confrontations.
A spokesperson sent FOX5 the following statement about Rosewood Drive encampments:
“Upon learning of the problem, NDOT promptly coordinated with regional partners to plan a comprehensive clean-up effort. Coordination with partner agencies is essential as they’re better prepared to handle biohazards associated with some of these encampments.
On August 28, our maintenance crews conducted an extensive clean-up in the area, offering shelter and medical support to individuals as part of our outreach efforts. Our crews have also discovered that individuals are cutting fences to gain access to the area, and we are taking steps to address this security issue.
To provide context on our clean-up efforts throughout southern Nevada, NDOT’s maintenance crews perform a variety of essential tasks, including crack filling, weed and debris removal, pothole repairs, and other roadway maintenance. Managing debris from encampments within NDOT right-of-way areas is part of these efforts and can sometimes divert resources from other critical maintenance activities.
NDOT remains dedicated to maintaining clean and safe right-of-way areas in collaboration with local authorities.”
Clark County Chairman Tick Segerblom recently spoke with FOX5 about the efforts to clear encampments across East Las Vegas neighborhoods. He said county crews will assist with cleanups to provide more manpower to solve the problem.
To report an encampment along the side of a highway, call the NDOT customer service line at (775) 888-7000. A ticket is filed when you leave a message. You can also email [email protected]
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