With the closing of the homeless camp at Purple Cliffs, I decided to drive by on my way home the other day to see whether that section along the Animas River was back to normal, cleaned up and returned to its natural state. I was shocked to discover that it had not been cleaned up and was left a total mess.
There was trash everywhere, up and down the hillside, and scattered along the road. The only thing different was there were no homeless still living there. It just looked like a giant mess. This once beautiful winding road along the river has been destroyed by uncaring residents who, when asked to leave, made no effort whatsoever to pitch in to help clean up.
What kind of a “thank you” is that? These people lived there for free; they didn't have to pay property taxes; they had free food dropped off and clothing, and other necessities by charitable organizations. What a slap in the face to these organizations and to the county.
Betsy Rockett
Durango
