MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Public officials and homeless advocates have raised concerns about the growing number of people, estimated at several hundred, camped out in a Minneapolis park.
They say the encampment at Powderhorn Park is neither safe nor sustainable. Neighbors worry about increased crime as police investigate a third sexual assault at the park in less than two weeks.
The Star Tribune reports the number of tents in Powderhorn and around Minneapolis has rapidly grown since the Park Board opened all parks to homeless camps last month.
Homeless people were evicted from the former Sheraton Midtown Hotel, which became a makeshift shelter during recent civil unrest.
Some neighbors, social workers and elected officials have said the encampment is not safe because it includes people with mental illnesses and addictions.
Mayor Jacob Frey has called the encampment “untenable.” The Park Board recently voted down a plan to drastically limit the size of the tent settlements.
The Park Board initially estimated 800 people were camped at Powderhorn, but the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency said Friday that number is overstated and that a count by a nonprofit organization recently was at about 280.
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