June 2014 Changes at Albany's Waterfront Park

Walks around Albany's (Bulb and Neck) Waterfront Park the last few days show some changes. 

Showers and toilets rented by the City to aid those experiencing homelessness are gone.   Shelter and storage portables remain. The City purchased the shelter portables because purchase was more advantageous than rental.  The portables may be sold at some point. 

Albany Police presence has been evident on each walk.  Police ride bicycles or motorcycles here, carefully, as most trails still require a lot of attention to avoid dips and bumps.  

More vegetation has been cut back in several areas, allowing better sightlines.

There are fewer signs of occupation.  There was a report this week that four more former campers transitioned into housing.  Another prior resident of the Bulb, Philip Lewis, was arrested and charged this week on several counts relating to possession of controlled substances.  He is not now shown as an Alameda County inmate so may have been released. 

Despite other changes, dogs still appear to be the most numerous users of the Bulb and Neck.  Most vehicles parked at the western end of Buchanan St contain one dog walker and many, many dogs.