NJ City's Homeless Encampment To Be Cleared Out, Officials Said

NEWARK, NJ — A homeless encampment that reportedly is causing safety concerns in Newark is being cleared out, according to city officials.

The encampment, located at Interstate 280 and Route 21, lines the roadsides with tents and makeshift shelters. Panhandlers are often seen in the roadway during the day.

The encampment has reportedly caused concern among Newark residents, specifically worries of unhoused people getting hit by cars, according to News12 New Jersey.

"I feel so bad and so sorry for them because if somebody's not paying attention - people drunk or anything coming can lose control - they can hit them. It's dangerous," one Newark resident told the outlet.

Newark officials say that the New Jersey Department of Transportation is involved in clearing the site, because the I-80 ramp is state property. The DOT will be responsible for cleaning the site once it is cleared.

Officials said the encampment will be cleared out by offering its occupants services provided by the Newark Office of Homeless Services.

"The City of Newark is working with the Department of Transportation to clear the encampment because it's their property and the Office of Homeless Services is actively conducting outreach to individuals at the site and offering connections to housing and supportive services," a Newark Mayor's Office spokesperson told Patch.

There were 1,922 people experiencing homelessness in Newark during a 2025 “point-in-time count” – a slight decrease from 2024, advocates said.

More: Homelessness Down Slightly In Newark, Latest Data Shows