An Albuquerque bookstore owner is going head-to-head with the city, over whether he can have a homeless encampment on his store’s property.

“So, we think overall what we’re doing is a benefit for the city as a whole. And we wish the city would recognize that,” said Gillam Kerley, owner of Quirky Used Books and More.

In July 2024, the business received a notice from the city’s code enforcement that the camp is violating the zoning code. “The shelter on the property constitutes an encampment in violation of the city integrated development ordinance and they’re a hazard the communities health and welfare,” said Andrew Coon, managing attorney for the City of Albuquerque.

The city does allow sanctioned camps, called “Safe Outdoor Spaces” but organizations must apply for a permit and provide bathrooms, showers, and more, requirements Kerley said are burdensome. “The cost of doing that, of providing 24/7 on-site support, would be over $100,000 a year in operating expenses,” said Kerley.