BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A community meeting to address a chronic homeless encampment went well past its 90-minute schedule on Wednesday evening.

The well-attended meeting focused on a homeless encampment that has persisted near the Walmart store on the Guide Meridian, and Bellingham mayor Kim Lund and other city officials began with details on steps the city has taken to address it and homelessness in general.

Residents listened intently during the city’s presentation, but their frustrations showed when the floor was opened to questions and comment.

Neighbors of the encampment related dangerous and sometimes violent incidents they’ve experienced and asked for more action from the city.

Mayor Lund, police chief Rebecca Mertzig and other officials detailed the legal and logistic hurdles they have to overcome in dealing with encampments on private property and potential crimes committed in them, but many in the audience said they’ve lost patience with their efforts.

Chief Mertzig did say she supports a jail with a larger capacity than many in the community have lobbied for, but officials were able to offer few other concrete solutions beyond urging residents to monitor their properties and report violations they see.

The encampment has proven to be resilient despite the city’s actions against the absentee owner of a large property directly behind the Walmart.

Mayor Lund said the cleaning of that property pushed the encampment to adjacent properties.