COLUMBUS, Ohio — Trash and a homeless camp — that's what Columbus Code Enforcement said they found littered across a patch of vacant land near Brice Road on the city's southeast side.
The property owner was first cited in June 2023 for “garbage” and “waste” that was disposed of on the property.
According to city records, in July 2023, Columbus Division of Police liaisons were open to “assisting” with the problem and added that “homeless outreach” would be involved.
But the problem persisted.
Between September 2023 and February 2024, that landowner was issued warnings and new citations for an "active homeless encampment" and possible “drug activity” on the property.
By April 2024, the case was kicked up to the city attorney's office, which threatened the property owner with legal action if it wasn't brought into compliance by June 2024.
June came and went, and as of July, the property was listed as out of compliance.
According to those documents, that landowner claimed he'd already cleaned up the property twice and paid $1,000 each time.
He went on to claim that Columbus police won't arrest the folks who are squatting there.
10TV called that landowner for a comment and is still waiting to hear back.
A 10TV records request found that this patch of land and the people living on it have been connected to at least 21 calls for service.
The calls range from disturbances and loud noises to assault, domestic violence and several fire calls.
10TV was able to speak with Diana Bunting and Summer Moynihan who are linked to the Far East Area Commission and the Greater South East Commission. The groups serve adjoining areas of Columbus.
Bunting called 10TV to show the problem.
“I think the City of Columbus should be responsible. I mean the homeless problem is their problem and it's all over this area now,” she said.
Right off the bat, they told 10TV that the burden to fix this problem is being placed on the wrong people.
“They can't go back there and physically touch them and throw them off because then they'll be arrested for assault. So we need help from the city,” said Bunting.
Since the population living on the land is transient, the women believe that it's not enough to "chase them away” because they'll eventually come back.
Instead, they're asking for city leaders to hit the streets and meet these folks at a human level to get to the heart of why they're out there to begin with.
“Coming out and talking to members who are a part of the homeless camps and say, 'What is it that you, what is your goal? What [would] you like to see? How can we best help you? And how can everybody best work together,’” said Moynihan.
10TV contacted Columbus police to find out where they stood on addressing the problem. They released the following statement:
"Columbus Police is aware of the situation with Mr. Webber’s property. We have attempted numerous times to contact Mr. Webber to no avail. In order to make arrests on Mr. Webber’s property without his presence, CPD would need a trespass authorization form for the property, which we do not currently have on file."
10TV also contacted the Columbus City Council Office of Communications. They released the following statement:
“City Council is aware of the situation and understands the frustration of residents in the area. Because the encampment is on private property, the City’s process with Code Enforcement and the City Attorney’s Office must play out. We want this to be resolved in the best interest of all parties.”