San Joaquin County leaders are considering transforming the Oakmoore Golf Course property on Wilson Way into a safe camping site for homeless individuals. The proposal has sparked mixed reactions from nearby residents and community members.
The nearly $10 million property spans over 60 acres and is one of the county's largest acquisitions. In addition to serving future public works needs, the site would provide designated safe camping areas equipped with services for unhoused individuals, according to the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.
“We know for a fact that people want homeless individuals to be taken care of and off of the public streets, public and private land," said Supervisor Tom Patti. "Now, other than planet Mars, there's nowhere that everybody would agree upon.”
Supporters of the plan view the project as a way to address homelessness by offering a controlled space for services and housing, moving individuals off streets and sidewalks. However, some residents are raising concerns about the potential for increased violence or vandalism in the surrounding area.
"I wouldn't be happy about that. That's property damage," said one neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. "We already have problems with them along the levee… They've already started camping out at this field down at the other end of the street."
According to the Board of Supervisors, the site’s development could begin soon, with construction projected to take less than a year to complete.
The proposal underscores the ongoing debate over solutions to homelessness and the challenges of balancing public safety with providing support to the unhoused population.