The Metro Police Department has given residents of so-called “Tent City” a bit more time to pack up and get out. But the plan remains to dismantle the camp as soon as possible.
Tent City lies in the shadow of I-65, between Hermitage Avenue and the Cumberland River. Central precinct commander Damian Huggins, who has held the post since June 1st, says the police department is no longer looking the other way. He says conditions have deteriorated and that an infestation of rats was the final straw.
Police had given local non-profits until next week to find the 25-or-so residents another place to live. Even with an extension, Huggins says there will be some who just won’t move.
“We’re going to allow these resources to get there for those who will accept the help. Those who won’t accept the help, will have to leave. We’ll have to go in there and do what we have to do.”
Huggins says police are working to notify everyone at the camp of their options. He says some choose to live there even though they have other housing available to them.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, as well as other city leaders, have known about the camp for years. Dean and other mayoral candidates saw Tent City for themselves last summer during a night spent on Nashville’s streets. The mayor’s office says it supports the police department’s decision to clear out the camp while treating residents humanely.
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