In recent developments, a second Milwaukee-area park and ride has been closed due to the state Department of Transportation's concerns over safety. The College Avenue park and ride lot, which had been serving as temporary shelter for dozens of people without housing, was shut down yesterday. The decision has drawn criticism and concern from those affected, who now face the challenge of finding alternative accommodations. One veteran, displaced by the closure, expressed to WISN 12 News, "It's not well thought out as far as an end game."
Following the closure of the College Avenue Northeast Park and Ride and last week's shutdown of the Holt Avenue Park and Ride, individuals staying at these locations have encountered an uncomfortable reality; forced to pack their belongings and ponder their next steps. According to Spectrum News 1, James, an occupant of the soon-to-be-closed Southwest College Avenue Park and Ride, noted that he and many others were unsure of their future destinations. "As far as I know, very few had anywhere to go unless they had family to reach out to," he said.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) justified the closures by noting the declining safety conditions. Reports indicate that between July 1 and Sept. 30, there was a nearly 42% increase in emergency calls for service compared to the same period in the previous year—amounting to a total of 275 calls. Combatting public concerns, Milwaukee County Housing Services, in a statement spotlighted by WISN 12 News, maintained that over 80 people from the park and rides were housed or found shelter, recognizing their efforts as part of a broader, highly coordinated initiative.
Nevertheless, not all those affected see the assistance as sufficient. Street Angels, a homeless outreach group, voiced their worries about the scarcity of shelter space. On the heels of yesterday's press event announcement of Homeless Awareness Week, Eva Welch, co-director of Street Angels, told TMJ4, "The bottom line is, there is nowhere for people to go." Amidst the backdrop of this declaration, James from the College Avenue lot requested a week to find a new place to stay from TMJ4. "That’s why I’ve been making my preparations, hoping a job opportunity and a living situation come in," James explained.
