The Antioch City Council voted Tuesday to extend the temporary closure of Empire Mine Road and McElhenry Road for another 18-months.
The closure is between Mesa Ridge Drive and Deer Valley Road in an effort to reduce the need for police services in the area so they may be deployed in other parts of the city.
The city says by closing the road, it limits significant illegal and criminal activity such as blight, nuisance activities and other conditions.
According to the staff report, a Feb 23, 2016 memo by Antioch Police recommends the closure continue after they have received 24 calls for service in 2014 and 27 calls for service in 2015. Police say it’s still an isolated road which is a big lure for illegal activity.
Councilman Tony Tiscareno asked how often police patrol the area which still has incidents in the area.
Chief Allan Cantando says they do respond to calls for service and the area while patrolling the area due to increased activity due to Kaiser.
“I had a recent conversation with Jack Roddy and he was happy the enforcement he was getting with the gates being closed,” said Cantando.
According to the Staff Report, the city first closed the road in 2005 and has extended the road closure in 18-month increments a total of 7 times. By State Law, they can extend the closure just one more time after last night’s action.
Road Closure Also Extended
The McElheny Road closure, located between E 6th Street and Fulton Shipyard, was also extended for a period of 18-months to reduce crime in the area.
Police say, over the years McElheny Road has become a continuous source of consternation for adjacent land owners and the law enforcement community where the area is a public nuisance and a threat to public health, safety and welfare. The roadway also becomes impassable from rainfall and tides due to the low elevation and lack of adequate drainage.
According to Antioch Police, during the 5-years prior to the 2011 temporary closure, police responded a total of 53-times on the road. Calls ranged from discarded boats and stolen vehicles, dumping of trash, discovery of pipe bombs, fights to other miscellaneous disturbances.
In 2011, the City closed to the roadway and by State law, the city still has five remaining extensions available.
4 comments
It’s ironic hearing about the “haunted” stories of empire mine road, and it’s “slaughterhouse” and “hell’s gates”; yet I feel safer there than 90 percent of Antioch.
Eh idk though, I did almost step on a syringe while exploring the slaughterhouse in broad daylight. Then again, I guess you find that anywhere in Antioch nowadays..
Empire Mine Road is the prettiest three miles in Antioch. The road, frequented by hikers, dog walkers and cyclists, is a breath of car-free fresh air. I hope there’s a way it stays closed, and even becomes part of the East Bay Regional Park system.
Please never go alone to Empire Mine road.
Please becareful!!
During Day or night.
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