BEND, OR -- After postponing a planned spring eviction, the city of Bend has a new date to clear campers from Hunnell, Loco and Clausen roads. "The city will be conducting a cleanup and closure of the Hunnell area on July 17, 2023 and will work with service providers to connect those living in the area with resources," said City Manager Eric King this week. He read a prepared statement at Wednesday's Council meeting, explaining the increased health and safety concerns. "We know this decision affects human life, and it doesn’t come easy. We know that there’s a sense of community in that area and that there are many stories of hardship, hope and resilience. We know there are many dimensions to the crisis and no one single action is going to solve all these issues. We’re taking this action in response to safety concerns building in the area of Hunnell Road, for people living there and for the public at large." 

Evicting campers was supposed to happen back in March, but plans were postponed when an agreement with the county to open a managed site fell through. "Calls for service continue to rise since last fall’s formal assessment," said King, noting in the one year period ending June 20th, there were 1,527 calls for service in that area. "The circumstances in this area have created public health and safety issues for people camping there and for nearby residents, businesses and traveling public." He also said there are 484 new shelter beds and it’s now time to enforce the new camping code city-wide. That code took effect March first, but an exception was initially made for the Hunnell Road area. "The city’s camping code does not ban camping in Bend, but it does set rules on where, when and how people can use the right of way to camp."

Several people who live on Hunnell Road tried to convince Council to change course. Michelle Hester told them she’ll lose everything if she’s forced to leave, "It’s not fair. We’ve fought hard to get that road cleaned up. And, that’s our home; that’s our family. It’s not right. I don’t want to lose my trailer." Nick Schindler said, "I call you hypocrites, justly and rightfully so because you are about to disband an entire community with no plausible solution and I promise you this: While you guys get ready to go on vacation, there will be protests."

2022 file photo