College Avenue park-and-ride closes, housing concerns remain

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WisDOT closes College Avenue park-and-ride

Law enforcement has closed down the College Avenue park-and-ride. Those who live there have 48 hours to leave.

On Monday morning, Oct. 28, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is closing another park-and-ride, this time on the south side of Milwaukee.

Concrete barriers will go up at the College Avenue Park and Ride.

People who have been living here in tents and campers will be required to leave.

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College Avenue park-and-ride lot closing Monday, housing concerns

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will close the College Avenue park-and-ride lot on Milwaukee's south side on Monday.

It comes a week after the Holt Avenue park and ride closed.

Over the past year, the lots have doubled as a temporary home for those without one, such as Ric.

Ric is a veteran, living at the park-and-ride lot with his dog after bouncing between hotels.

Now, the state will give him and the others who live here up to 48 hours to leave.

"Where are people supposed to go? You’re going to criminalize being homeless?" asked Ric. "Is that how you plan on providing housing? By arresting people?"

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City leaders report a 42% spike in emergency calls to the park-and-ride lots compared to the same time in 2023.

In the meantime, Milwaukee County says it's working to find shelter for those who have nowhere to go.

Street Angels Milwaukee Outreach joined FOX6 WakeUp on Monday, Oct. 28 to discuss the ongoing evictions and ongoing challenges for those who use the lots for temporary housing.

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Street Angels discuss park-and-ride evictions

Eva Welch and Shelly Sarasin, both co-founding executive directors of Street Angels, joined FOX6 WakeUp to discuss the recent park-and-ride evictions in Milwaukee.

For information on the Street Angels organization and the resources and services it provides, click here.