Transient camps invade commerical lots in Bend

Transient camps are taking over private commercial lots off Hunnell Road on the north side of Bend.

The owner of one junk-strewn 5-acre property spoke to NewsChannel 21 by phone Thursday, saying he’s aware of the mess left behind by these trespassers — piles of trash including bicycle parts, clothing and even a kitchen sink.

A viewer sent NewsChannel 21 the photos after she was walking to Target and came upon the transient camp.

City of Bend Code Enforcement Manager James Goff said his department is aware of the homeless camps on the north side of the city.

“We would indicate there was transient camps on the property, which is caused by the abundance of excess of trash on the property,” Goff said.

The owner and code enforcement have been in contact to try to find a solution to this growing problem.

The property owner said he has cleaned up the property in the past, but the transients keep returning — and leaving their trash behind.

He said he plans to have his commercial lot, which is up for sale, cleaned up by next week.