The homeless encampment between Adventure Science Center and Fort Negley has until the spring to clear out.
Metro Parks had tried to evict the campers several weeks ago, only to agree to allow more time for homeless outreach services to find other housing options. Tuesday, the Parks Board approved an April 1st deadline for completely ending the encampment.
Parks Director Tommy Lynch says the new mayor’s administration suggested that date as it began talks with the Homelessness Commission about possibly creating another place where encampments can be allowed.
“From a temporary aspect, to give them a little more time to delve into the issue and to see what resources the administration has available to them in other departments, it makes sense for us to allow the folks to stay,” Lynch says.
Only three campers remain on the site, after the previous eviction caused most to leave. However, Lynch says, there’s no way of keeping the number steady until April.
“The problem is if it grows and more people come, does it just become a bigger problem for the parks in the long run?”
He points out that there are potential safety and sanitation risks at the camp, since it has no electricity or running water. The encampment also lies in an area where the parks department plans to build a walking trail.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM