Homeless Encampment Near Center and I-69 in Burton Being Cleared Out

A lot of people around Flint and Burton have probably noticed what’s been going on near Center Road and I-69 lately.

I actually drove by there the other day and saw the homeless encampment tucked back in the trees near the exit ramp. Honestly, it was just kind of sad and disappointing to see.

Not just because people are struggling, because obviously that part is heartbreaking enough. It’s also sad seeing another area around Flint and Burton slowly turn into more blight and garbage, while realizing somebody was actually trying to live right there next to the freeway. It just sucks all the way around.

See Also: Michigan Turns Former Hotel Into Shelter for Homeless Families

Michigan Officials Clear Out Homeless Encampment Near I-69

According to MLive, MDOT has officially stepped in and posted a final 24-hour notice telling anyone staying there they need to leave the area. The state says people aren’t allowed to camp in freeway right-of-way areas because it’s obviously dangerous being that close to fast-moving traffic.

According to officials, there have been a lot of complaints about the encampment, and Flint’s blight crews have already started cleaning up the area. When workers got there, they reportedly didn’t find anyone staying there at the time, but there were signs that people had clearly been living there.

Flint Says This Is Bigger Than Just Cleaning Up Trash

The city also made it clear this isn’t supposed to be just another situation where people get pushed out, and everyone pretends the problem magically disappeared. They say they’ve been working with outreach groups and local organizations to try helping people find shelters, healthcare, mental health support, and other resources.

At the end of the day, nobody wants to see people living in the woods next to an interstate.