Fox news today:
With home prices in the Bay Area nearing seven figures, some who can’t afford to live on land are settling down on the water, dropping anchor near cities like Sausalito, and living on Richardson Bay, rent-free.
The number of these so-called “anchor-outs” has doubled in recent years, and today more than 100 people comprise a community some liken to a floating homeless shelter.
But Jimi Mcintosh, a plumber who’s lived off the shore of Sausalito for years, says given his finances, he has no other choice.
“It’s impossible making what I make, even working full time, to live on land. With deposits, it just gets to be almost $9-thousand (a month), so I can’t even afford to move into a studio.”
PARENTS CALL COPS ON HOMELESS SON, 56, AFTER HE REFUSES TO LEAVE THEIR RETIREMENT VILLAGE
The problem is squatting on the bay is illegal, and some of the makeshift homes are so cluttered and decrepit, they’re barely afloat. Sausalito Police Chief John Rohrbacher took Fox News on a tour of some of the worst offenders–aging vessels stacked with generators, grills, tarps, and all kinds of household items.
“It’s a safety issue for responding first responders fire or police if we have to go on board,” Rohrbacker said. “But it’s also a safety hazard for the people that live on it because they can’t get off.”
Other dangers include boats that break anchor in storms, flying debris, and the environmental damage caused by dumped trash and human waste, police say.
While some contend anchor-outs add to the color and character of this artsy tourist town, others see an eyesore, and argue it’s unfair for law-abiding taxpayers to continually support a community living illegally and off the grid.
HOMELESS CRISIS HAS CALIFORNIA CITY CONSIDERING POP-UP SHELTERS TO HOUSE GROWING POPULATION
Connie Strycker, who owns a waterfront home in the posh city of
