Costa Mesa Residents Outraged At Homeless Shelter Plan
COSTA MESA (CBSLA) — A possible solution to Orange County's homeless problem is sparking an emergency meeting in Costa Mesa.
As CBSLA's Stacey Butler reports, the mere mention of turning a state-run facility for the developmentally disabled in Costa Mesa into a temporary homeless shelter has neighbors spinning.
"It's crazy. We have heroin overdoses all over the streets here already right now. If they move those people here it's gonna be unlivable for people here," said William Hart.
Related: Orange County Considers Relocating Homeless To Irvine
"It's upsetting because we already have a problem with the homeless here, breaking into people's patios and stealing stuff," said Jamie Infanger. "A lot of drug rehabs, a lot of drugs, a lot of people that are homeless around here looking for their next fix."
As those living in Irvine, Laguna Niguel and Huntington Beach fight the county's plan to put the homeless in their communities, Orange County Senator and member of the Board of Supervisors John Moorlach laid out a plan last week to house the homeless recently evicted from the riverbed in part of the Fairview Developmental Center that neighbors say is all but empty.
Neighbors say the problem is there is an elementary school, high school and a Boys and Girls Club too close for comfort.
Related: Irvine Residents Protest Homeless Plan
Jack Sykes said he is "absolutely" worried about the plan and that he won't feel safe.
"We've already got issues in the area," said Sykes. "Adding to it isn't the answer."
The emergency meeting called by the Costa Mesa City Council is taking place on Wednesday night at 5 p.m. at the Costa Mesa Senior Center. Hundreds are expected to attend.
