Sacramento City Councilmember Jeff Harris works with developer to clear homeless encampment at Commerce Circle

North Sacramento Land Company (left) Sacramento Councilmember Jeff Harris (right)(Image by Robert J Hansen)

Sacramento, Calif. - by Robert J Hansen

Councilmember Jeff Harris and the City of Sacramento had Johnston Industrial Park, known as Commerce Circle, cleared in response to a possible lawsuit from developer and real estate company, North Sac Land Company (NSLC) according to acquired documents.

Johnston Industrial Park (Commerce Circle) was developed by NSLC which still owns twelve of the commercial buildings and is seeking litigation against the City of Sacramento for not clearing the area.

Ironically, the company wanting to remove homeless people, NSLC, is a family owned real estate investment company founded in 1910.

In a letter to the other businesses of Johnston Industrial Park,

Vice President of NSLC Jack Greer said his company and others have tried “in vain” to have the “street people” and homeless removed.

“I am sure everyone is sick and tired of the horrible and disgusting situation. We must take action now,” Greer said.

Letters between Councilmember Jeff Harris, The American River Flood Control District and North Sacramento Land Company.(Image by Robert J Hansen)

NSLC has retained the Weintraub/Tobin law firm to pursue litigation similar to the Railroad Avenue lawsuit against the City of Sacramento.

The letter is dated November 29, 2021. It asks the other businesses and owners to contribute 80 percent of the $50,000 fee asked by the law firm.

NSLC told owners it is willing to cover 20 percent of the fees.

Harris also asked the general manager of American River Flood Control District (ARFCD) to issue notice of trespassing to unhoused residents who lived on Commerce Circle and Lathrop Road in a recent letter.

“We have worked with the North Sac’s Land company To address the significant issues they face with unhoused persons occupying private property in that area,” Harris said.

Harris asked for cooperation from ARFCD, which owns the property, so the City could legally remove the people who recently lived there.

“Without your help, we cannot address the Issues of the business community, and create safer and more hygienic conditions in the area,” Harris said. “We Recognize their right to camp on public property until such time as we have better and safer options to offer those experiencing homelessness, but incursions on private property or not by federal law.”

Councilmember Harris has repeatedly denied any requests for comments in recent weeks claiming to be too busy.

Jack Greer was not available for comment.