Springfield Mayor makes statement on 5th and N. Grand homeless concerns

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Springfield Mayor's Office has released a statement over community concerns about the intersection of 5th and North Grand.

The area has been tied to losses of life, battery reports, and increased drug activity. Large tents set up between the roadway and sidewalk have posed safety risks to homeless individuals, the Mayor's Office said. People are sleeping just feet away from oncoming traffic.

Memorial Behavioral Health, the City of Springfield's Community Outreach Coordinator, and the City's Homeless Outreach Team responded to those concerns Wednesday morning.

Outreach coordinators were sent out to connect with everyone there, provide referrals, resources, and contact information. "Everyone was given the opportunity to collect their belongings. However, some unclaimed items were left behind," the Mayor's Office said.

Public Works cleared the rest of the abandoned property.