City Of Maplewood issued the following announcement on July 10.
During the pandemic, Governor Walz ordered that camps for individuals experiencing homelessness around Minnesota were not to be disbanded unless they posed a threat to the health, safety, or security of residents, or alternative living arrangements were made.
The situation at the homeless encampment behind the Ramsey County Library in Maplewood had become unsafe and unsuitable for both the people in the encampment and those in the surrounding community. Therefore, as of noon on July 9, 2020, the city has dispersed those living in the camp. The number of people in the camp fluctuated between about 6 and 15 people. The city took great efforts and was able to relocate those who remained in encampment to a safer environment. The City is working on a more permanent housing solution with Ramsey County.
Since becoming aware of the encampment, City Maplewood’s Public Safety, Public Works and the Health Inspector, along with Ramsey County, conducted routine checks on the safety and welfare of camp residents. They delivered food and water and provided portable-toilets and handwashing stations.
In the last two weeks, the situation at the camp quickly deteriorated. There was an increase in police calls for serious assaults and other disturbances. Trash and other debris became unmanageable. There were health related concerns and a person drowned in the pond next to the encampment.
After consulting with the public safety team and Maplewood’s City Attorney, Maplewood’s mayor declared an emergency and ordered the disbursement of the camp. Residents were given a 24-hour notice and further arrangements for alternate housing were made. Those remaining as of Thursday afternoon accepted the City’s alternate housing offer.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City Of Maplewood
Alerts Sign-up