Living in santa fe nm is becoming impossible. I mean, I can live here, but it’s getting more and more difficult to not slip into a depression over the state of my city. The latest brick in the depressing wall is the City of Santa Fe’s plan to turn the “Midtown Campus” into a “sanctioned” homeless encampment. This plan is not only depressing, but it’s also short-sighted and dangerous.
Until recently, Harrison Road was a literal center for meth use. Because street people camped on its sidewalks and used meth openly, residents and businesses rose up and complained. They forced the City of Santa Fe to increase police patrols and the homeless shelter along Harrison Road, Pete’s Place, to regulate its residents. However, rather than learn from the scourge that Harrison Road became, the City wants to create an even bigger problem.
I worked at what’s now known as “Consuelo’s Place.” It was a bastion of violence and drug use. There were no services. I tried to offer groups and educational opportunities, but the residents mostly wanted to sleep until it was time to use. By allowing what will amount to a tent city, the City is welcoming an even bigger problem to emerge in the middle of what was once a great educational institution.
The City of Santa Fe bought the College of Santa Fe and has been figuring out a plan for its use for years. Lately, the Webber Administration has been touting its potential to become an engaging community center, in some way shape or form. But by sanctioning a homeless encampment, the City will be sealing the property’s fate. There will never be an opportunity to create a welcoming environment because meth-using street people will take over the property and will not leave.
Please understand that for those who are unhoused who are trying to climb into a healthier life, I support services. But I know from experience that the people who are camping in Santa Fe are more than likely transients who are NOT looking for anything resembling a normal type life. The streets are their home and meth is their purpose for living.
The solution to this growing problem starts will enforcing current public camping ordinances. In doing so, transient street people will be less inclined to see Santa Fe as a destination where meth use is welcomed. Is it expensive to enforce? Apparently (but how can the public trust anything the City of Santa says about money?). But if the “Midtown Campus” is to become anything healthy for our community, it WILL NOT start with a sanctioned encampment. Sanctioning a encampment will mean sanctioning meth use and violence. Santa Fe cannot allow this.
