BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- With so much illegal activity at International Park and with the Old Town Kern Revitalization Project in the works, the city voted Wednesday night to close the park.

So, where will the homeless go? Probably not far, KERO reported.

Jerry McWhirter has been basically living at International Square for the past six years. Now, the homeless man needs a new "home," and he said he will not go to the shelters.

The council voted to close the park because of drug and alcohol use and other illegal activities.

Many of the homeless people told KERO they would go to other parks.

Louis Gill, from the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter, supported closing International Square. But, he said more needs to be done for the homeless.

"I don't believe closing the park is a solution," Gill said.

Gill believes a facility that accepts homeless people under the influence should be set up. He also said drug counseling should be offered to the homeless.

City Council members told KERO they would consider opening up another day facility if officials from local homeless shelters asked them to.