January 1, Explosion Ignites Fear, Minneapolis Residents Demand Homeless Encampment Closure

Minneapolis residents are urging city officials to shut down a homeless encampment that was set up on the 2900 block of Fifth Avenue South on March 27, following a series of concerning incidents, including an explosion.

Phillip West neighbors and the Minneapolis police reported the situation. “We’re scared out of our minds. I’ve had people on my porch at 2 a.m. and there’s needles on the ground,” said one resident who asked to remain anonymous. “There’s broken glass everywhere and we have a ton of kids that live on this block.”

The concerned neighbor also mentioned that residents have sent a letter to Mayor Jacob Frey, Minneapolis Police Department Chief Brian O’Hara, and the City Council requesting action.

Since the encampment was established nearly two weeks ago, over a dozen calls have allegedly been made to the location regarding incidents such as a drug overdose, a stabbing, and an explosion.

“I mean, it’s got to be removed. We can’t allow these to keep happening and yes, we have a problem where we clear one out and one goes back in, but we got to keep doing it until we figure it out,” said Minneapolis City Council member LaTrisha Vetaw in an interview.

The City of Minneapolis released a statement about the encampment, saying, “The city is working to close the encampment on 5th Avenue South. Closure is likely to take place next week with the city providing one-week advance notice prior to closure. Outreach workers continue working on connecting community members at the encampment with available services from Hennepin County and other community partners.”

The statement continued, “Those resources include shelter, housing, mental health, and addiction services. The city continues to balance the needs of encampment residents with those of nearby residents and businesses when considering its response.”

In January, another large homeless encampment in Minneapolis was closed after a U.S. judge declined to issue a temporary restraining order that would have barred the city from shutting it down.

O’Hara’s office, the MPD, and the city of Minneapolis have not responded to requests for comment.

As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.

Source