If you live near Rockwood Park, you know how much residents value their quiet neighborhoods. A Saint John homeowner is finally getting answers after discovering an abandoned encampment littered with garbage and potential biohazards behind her property. Megan Goguen took to Facebook to express her frustration over the mess bordering her home. She estimated a cleanup would cost her upwards of $50,000.

Safety Concerns for Residents

Goguen noticed the encampment after a neighbor spotted someone walking through the woods on a security camera. She described the area as a severe fire hazard. Living in the neighborhood for 35 years, she noted she had never seen a situation like this before.

“I actually lose sleep because I’m terrified because my house is going to catch on fire,” Goguen told CTV Atlantic. “Or somebody’s going to break in, or my kids are going to be out and get hurt. It’s really scary actually.”

City Takes Responsibility

Goguen initially struggled to get a clear answer on who held responsibility for the cleanup. She reached out to the City of Saint John and Fresh Start Services.

Fresh Start executive director Melanie Vautour confirmed her team visited the site multiple times. Vautour stated the site is completely abandoned. She added that her organization is working with the city to determine the next steps.

The City of Saint John recently clarified the property boundaries. In a statement to CTV News, city officials confirmed the encampment and associated debris sit entirely on city owned property rather than private land. The city took responsibility for cleaning the affected area and confirmed staff are taking steps to address the site. They did not provide a specific timeline for the cleanup.

Neighbors Demand Better Solutions

The situation highlights ongoing frustrations for residents living near these sites. Derrick May says his elderly parents own property backing onto the same encampment. He pointed out that safety remains a massive concern for the neighborhood.

“Over the last couple of years in this particular area, we’ve seen things like guns brought to neighbor’s house,” May said. “We saw an 83 year old lady get pepper sprayed, we saw another neighbor with a bow and arrow stuck in the side of their house.”

May questioned why established shelters for people experiencing homelessness currently sit with a 25 percent vacancy rate. He urged officials to support agencies that provide comprehensive wraparound services for mental health and drug addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for cleaning up the encampment near Rockwood Park?

The City of Saint John confirmed the encampment is on city property and they will handle the cleanup.

Is the encampment currently occupied?

No. Fresh Start Services confirmed the site is abandoned.

How much did the homeowner estimate the cleanup would cost?

Megan Goguen estimated it would cost her around $50,000 to clean up the site due to the hard to reach location and potential biohazards.

What are neighbors saying about the situation?

Neighbors expressed serious safety concerns. They cited past incidents involving weapons and called for better mental health and addiction support services in the city.