As of today, the first in a series of Milwaukee County park-and-ride lots has been indefinitely shuttered due to a significant upsurge in safety and security concerns. According to a FOX6 News release , the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has taken the decisive action to close the Holt Avenue lot. Following soon after, both the northeast and a portion of the southwest College Avenue lots will also cease operations, leaving only a small section of the latter open to accommodate transit users.

The closure decisions were influenced by a marked 42% increase in service calls to law enforcement between July and September this year, with Milwaukee city and county law enforcement agencies having to frequently attend to reports of assault, theft, and subjects with weapons. Substantial concerns include incidents of robbery, shots fired, and drug overdoses, as indicated in the statement obtained by WTMJ . “Other recently reported incidents causing law enforcement response include robbery, shots fired and drug overdoses. It has become clear that the current conditions are unsustainable," the statement from WisDOT read. Efforts to permanently displace those living in RVs and tents from the Holt lot have escalated, with state patrol present to oversee the removal process.

This move reflects the broader challenges of managing public spaces while grappling with the realities of homelessness. Under Wisconsin State Statute 86.025, camping on public highways or their adjacent rights-of-way is illegal, solidifying the legal basis for the closures. As a result, concrete barrier walls and fencing now delineate the Holt Avenue lot, effectively enabling exit but barring entry. WisDOT has expressed an understanding of the complexity and sensitivity required to address homelessness and has endeavored, with partners, to respectfully relocate individuals dwelling in the park-and-rides, FOX6 News reports.

"Public safety is first and foremost," Joel Nilsestuen, Wisconsin DOT Assistant Deputy Secretary, was quoted by WTMJ as stating, “Park and ride lots are not safe or suitable places for anyone to live. We’ve worked closely with our partners to connect individuals with available resources and relocate them to safer situations. We do not take this action lightly, but we recognize the importance of doing what’s right for the safety of the people in the park and rides, the traveling public and nearby communities.” The department, along with Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball, empathizes with the displaced, emphasizing a need for those affected to engage with the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services. According to Ball, it's imperative to help ensure the safe removal and relocation of encampments and vehicles from these lots.

While these closures disrupt the immediate lives of those displaced, WisDOT is also looking to improve the situation for transit riders. The department is collaborating with the Milwaukee County Transit System to assist those who have been relying on the now-closed Holt Avenue lot, confirming via WISN that new signage and outreach efforts are in progress to inform users of service changes. Additionally, plans to reconfigure other park-and-ride lots, along with heightened monitoring, are in the pipeline to ensure their intended use continues without serious safety concerns.