CHARLOTTESVILLE (WINA) – City Manager Sam Sanders said it was not under duress, nor without talking with the Police Chief, that he’s made the decision to keep Market Street Park open. In fact, Councilors say they’ve received emails — and Sander’s has had direct communication — from those who think he should be disciplined or fired. Instead, an action plan is being constructed.

Sanders says he knows of no localities with such a comprehensive homelessness plan, but Councilors are expressing support. He says Market Street Park is not a solution short-term, but it will take time to find an alternative. Sanders says, “We need to know how many of them might be able to actually do an overnight shelter.”

“A day shelter is a good thing, but an overnight shelter is something altogether different because someone has to be there, stay awake and be involved in what’s going on. It requires another skill set. It requires some additional matters that must be taken into consideration,” Sanders told City Council.

“It’s a costly operation.”

The plan includes asking PACEM to accelerate the start of an overnight shelter.

The plan outlines short, middle, and long-term solutions… and the short-term is not just a matter of just “doing a shelter”.

One has to be identified… how many beds… who can staff it, etc.

He also said Albemarle County is willing to help, and the real solution must be regional. He says they’re not getting a lot of help from outer counties as Sanders and Mayor Lloyd Snook said they’ve had people from those localities say they’re sending their homeless to Charlottesville.