STATEMENT
Contact: Samantha Sheehan
(802) 734-0617
October 14th, 2021
Burlington, VT - Yesterday, Burlington Police and Fire responded to multiple incidents at the site of the Sears Lane encampment, including one incident where police and federal law enforcement partners executed a warrant following a month-long narcotics investigation into trafficking and one where a camper pointed an assault-style airsoft gun (a replica pellet gun) at Burlington Fire personnel who were responding to a medical emergency. Today, Burlington Police have issued a notice to leave and remove possessions by October 19th in accordance with the City of Burlington’s Encampment Policy.
Mayor Weinberger made the following statement:
“In response to yesterday’s confirmation of serious criminal activity and the hostile threat towards our first responders at the Sears Lane encampment, I have directed the Burlington Police Department to issue notices of trespass to any campers residing on the City-owned lot immediately.
Prior to today, in the face of an enormous and acute housing shortage, the City team had been working diligently through the summer to protect public health and safety and to find a way for this City-owned land to help address community housing needs in the short- and longer-term. However, in attempting to generate new, needed housing the City’s intent was never to protect criminal activity. It is clear that the encampment at Sears Lane has become untenable and unacceptable.”
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