INDIANAPOLIS — Underneath the Monon Trail bridge, where the Fall Creek Trail intersects, is a homeless encampment.
Three large tents are set up in the woods. A bathtub, a couch, and a child’s stroller are among the items left behind, feet away from where people bike and jog. The city government of Indianapolis said it will clean it up Tuesday morning.
Andrew Merkley, director of the Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety, said the goal is to keep trails in the city clean.
“We want to make sure this area is cleaned up,” he said. “Whenever there are abandoned camps, especially when they are along waterways.”
Resident Dylan Zyrowski, who frequently bikes around the area, said that cleanup is welcome news.
“I mean, I feel pretty safe coming through here,” he said. “But my mom was here taking my kids for a walk over here. And she got down here and was not feeling very safe. So, I think it’s good they’re having it cleaned up.”
The city said the cleanup will be paid for with Federal Emergnecy Management Agency funds because the area was impacted by recent flooding.
“There’s a lot of debris, potentially human waste or other items that could impact the environment or the health of those in the area,” said Merkley.
The city said there is currently no one living in the area and that the people who have been staying there were connected to homeless resources.
For Zyrowski, though, it’s not just about cleaning up the area. He said he also feels for the people who had been living there.
“It’s heartbreaking to see folks out there,” he said. “I always think we’re always a few life decisions away from being somebody that’s on the streets. As much love and care as we can show those folks as possible, I think, is great.”
