Homeless camps popping up along popular local trail, concerning homeowners

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Homeless camps are popping up along a popular trail in Cobb County.

Some homeowners are concerned because the camps are close to their homes between Brookwood Drive and Floyd Road.

Police were called to check out the situation in Mableton.

We saw homes on both sides of the Silver Comet Trail.

One of the homeless camps is nearby. Due to the cold weather, police believe it is currently abandoned.

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But some neighbors are concerned that more camps like that one will pop up.

Jay Jordan walked Channel 2's Chris Jose up to the homeless camp behind his Mableton neighborhood.

He saw plastic jugs, duffel bags, and all kinds of trash just a few feet from the Silver Comet Trail.

Jordan shared his concerns with Cobb police and his county commissioner.

Officers came out this week but did not find anyone living there.

The camp sits on Brookwood Drive. Jose found another one near Floyd Road.

“My concern is people using the trail, kids using the trails, because a lot of the younger kids use it to go back and forth to their friends’ houses,” Jordan said.

Code enforcement says there is no specific ordinance that bans homeless camps in the county.

Employees do work with Cobb police to check out complaints.

Officers say they patrol the trail.

Jordan says it is more than an eyesore. He is warning trail users, neighbors and the HOA board.

Police are urging them to call 911 if they see anyone suspicious.

“There’s got to be a solution found to help them, but also to find a way to stop this from happening,” Jordan said.

Officers told Jose there are resources for the homeless, including a shelter at Must Ministries in Marietta. The group currently has a warming center there for people living on the streets.

Cox Media Group