The homeless “mobile housing park” on Powers Avenue across from Lincoln Park is no more.

Within two days of Mayor Gary Singh and Councilman Dave Breitenbucher being made aware this week of a citizen’s complaint about noise regarding the homeless parking overnight in the city lot on Powers Avenue adjacent to the fire station, it was addressed.

A resident in the Curran Grove neighborhood  that backs up to the parking  lot contacted Singh on social media. The mayor responded promptly. Singh then contacted Interim City Manager Toni Lundgren and Manteca Police Community Resources Officer Mike Kelly.

Given the parking lot was built as part of the Lincoln Park, the city moved to post the parking lot making it clear it closes at the same time the park does each night.

Unless there is a special event permitted by the city almost all city parks are closed to everyone regardless of housing status from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Such a rule passes muster with 9th District court rulings regarding the homeless.

There are several exceptions to the park closure hours such as the Big League Dreams sports complex.

The Tidewater Bikeway is another exception. It is closed from dusk to dawn.

Initially, the city put up barricades with temporary signs noting the parking lot was closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.. Today, permanent signs are now in place with the posted closure hours.

As many as nine homeless were spending the night in their vehicles or tents just outside of them. Nearby residents complained about the noise and the mess they were leaving behind.

Breitenbucher, whose district the parking lot is within as well as whose home is within four blocks of it, praised the city staff for its quick response.

More than two years ago when other neighbors complained about, the city management at the time said there was nothing the city could so about it.

Breitenbucher urged residents to use the go app to report issues such as street lights not working, potholes, and even neighborhood issues involving the homeless.

“I’ve used it a number of times,” Breitenbucher said. “Somethings something will slip through but staff responds promptly.”

Singh agreed that the city is being more responsive than it has in the past.

He credited that to a proactive council as well as a city staff led by Lundgren.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@manteabuletin.com