I can just about guarantee you that this will also be a reason put forth to continue with the close of our own Tent City, although it's pretty clear that the city won't close it on June 1, at least at this point.
With that said, I would add that the numbers in the camp here have again exploded, as have the populations on either side of the camp.
The anticipated publicity of the camp closing slated for June 1 has made some rethink this decision and at this point, officials close to the effort to close have stated there would almost certainly be no effort to close the camp come June 1 because of the expected publicity.
I wish the reason would have been "because of the huge number of people who don't have anywhere to go and who can't find housing in a city that has no resources to assist with rent offsets," but I, along with many others, will take what they are given.
I've been told an extra month would probably be approved by one of the staunchest opposers of the camp remaining open, but the source isn't certain it'll fly yet, although they are certain they will not be there on June 1.
On the other hand, much is happening around the camp that indicates a toughening approach as we near the close date.
Police have been turning folks who want to feed away, citations in the area seem to be increasing, and the railroad has recently posted a parking area near the tracks as a no trespassing area. Watch for an increase in the vigilance (and citing) of those walking the tracks) as well as increased police presence in and around the area.
And don't forget that the land on the north side of the camp has never been "protected" by any stay of execution orders; police made it clear in previous meetings that that land - which also happens to hold a huge portion of the camp's increase in population - is a free-for-all zone that they feel isn't subject to any of the conditions imposed on them by the orders concerning Tent City.
I've mentioned previously that the economic situation, coupled with the large increase in population and lack of affordable housing would be a game changer, and it looks as though it has been.
But there's still a lot of iffys in the picture. The increase in "quality of life interventions" around the camp is not a great sign; this is exactly what happened in 07 that kicked off the effort to eradicate the homeless from the downtown area. And at least to some extent, that effort has been successful. Because of that, it may turn into a war of attrition in that area. But the most disturbing news I've received on the camp came yesterday, when I was told someone cut a hole in the fence to Inner City Ministry and made off with some items.
I talked with one of the guys at the agency about it and he was a bit upset at the fact that it was apparent to him someone had to have seen this taking place.
And finally, anytime you get a large number of folks together, problems can and often do arise. If you remember correctly, that's what got us into this situation last year.....Proposed 'tent city' for homeless faces hurdles
By KATHY STEELE
ksteele@tampatrib.com
Two government-issued reports on a proposed "tent city" to accommodate homeless people conclude the mix of tents and wooden shelters on East Hillsborough Avenue would constitute substandard housing and be inappropriate for the neighborhood.
One report, from the Hillsborough Planning Commission, was completed earlier this month. The second, released this week, is from the county's planning and growth management staff.
The opinions are among several that will be weighed as authorities decide whether to allow Catholic Charities to open temporary facilities for 250 homeless people on the site of a former church at 6410 E. Hillsborough Ave.
A rezoning hearing before a land-use hearing officer is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday in the county commission chambers at the County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. County commissioners are scheduled to vote on the matter July 21.
"The most important thing in my mind is to make a good showing at the zoning hearing so they know there is a large voting base not in favor of this," said East Lake Park resident Hal Hart. He spoke Tuesday night to more than 40 people who met at the East Lake Park civic center.
Residents from Staley Estates also attended. Hart said residents from Grant Park and Highland Pines have signed petitions against the project.
The project is an effort to address the needs of a growing homeless problem, said Frank Murphy, Catholic Charities president.
The focus would be to help people find jobs and independence. The maximum stay at the tent city would be 90 days.
The planning commission's report concludes such a campground belongs in a rural area and does not fit with existing or planned commercial, industrial and other development along East Hillsborough Avenue.
The report found an optional use for the site - 240 apartments approved in 2007 - would be acceptable.
In a separate report, the county's planning and growth management staff found that the proposed tents and casitas would be substandard without plumbing, water or lights. Also, it was not clear whether the complex should be classed as a camp or a family social services project, the report said.
As a camp, it only would be allowed in a rural setting for recreation, education or vacation purposes. And support services proposed for the homeless would not be permitted in districts allowing camps, the staff's report noted.
