By Mike Hazlip—
A new fence aimed at curbing transient activity along Interstate 80 has been installed behind Big Lots in Citrus Heights.
The fence, billed by the city as a “no-cut, no-climb” barrier, runs about a quarter-mile along the interstate, separating the freeway from parking areas behind the Citrus Grove Shopping Center. The north end of the fence is near the Riverside exit, with the south end extending past the Sierra Glen apartments.
City Manager Ash Feeney credited Caltrans with installing the fence, thanking the agency for their cooperation during a Nov. 10 council meeting. He said the fencing followed discussion with Caltrans and a “significant clean-up” of homeless camps at the Antelope and I-80 in September.
“We’re really thankful for our partners over at Caltrans to continue to provide the necessary attention for our beautification efforts,” Feeney said.
Prior story: ‘Just disgusting.’ Homeless camp, litter cleaned up along Citrus Heights on-ramp
In February, The Sentinel published an article highlighting efforts to clean up an area along the interstate near the Riverside exit that involves several different jurisdictions. A group of residents at a nearby condo complained of homeless activity and litter, and partnered with the Police Department to get the area cleaned up.
Some city leaders have expressed frustration that areas along the interstate are outside of the city’s jurisdiction, with the interstate patrolled by the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans being responsible for debris removal. Near the Riverside exit, the Sacramento-Placer county line runs through the north end of the property, adding another jurisdiction to the mix.
From February: Residents seek to clean up homeless camp behind Citrus Heights condos
Under the leadership of Feeney, who became city manager earlier this year, the city has begun a more focused beautification effort, along with other projects. As part of the effort, the city recently launched a “Beautification Crew” and also passed an ordinance to reduce the number of abandoned shopping carts in the city.
