I want to point out here that the police have gotten the brunt of the criticism over this closing but the cops were not the ones who ordered the camp closed. It is still undetermined exactly who was behind this particular order to close the camp and no one is willing to state exactly who is responsible. Regardless, we've been able to push back the deadline and for that, we are all extremely grateful.
Kudos to Mikey "Pontiac" Cooke for his calm, compelling statements to the reporter; I had earlier nominated Mike to serve on the Homelessness Commission and I think his performance in this effort clearly shows why I think he's a great choice and would serve the homeless population of Nashville with dignity, honor and intelligence.
Meanwhile, the work continues and we can continue with the cleanup effort as well as the creation of an ordinance that makes camps a legal alternative for those experiencing homelessness in the Nashville area....
Deadline Extended For Residents To Leave Homeless Camp
Posted: Sep 9, 2008 07:47 PM CDT
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The deadline for residents to leave a homeless encampment near downtown Nashville has been extended.
The deadline was Sept. 22, but Metro is giving homeless residents a couple of more months to get out of Tent City.
Police said health and safety issues on the five-acre site are out of hand.
"I've slept under benches, under bridges," said one name known as Pontiac after the Michigan city.
He moved to Tent City about two months ago.
Pontiac said he's an Army vet with physical and mental disabilities that keep him from holding a job.
"My dream is about that flag right there the great American dream, the pursuit of happiness and I believe people should be allowed to pursue happiness," he said.
That pursuit of happiness is a campsite along the Cumberland River. Some people call Tent City Nashville's unofficial homeless camp. The land is owned by the city.
"I'd like to see them address the health issues by bringing in Dumpsters and bringing in port-a-potties,
Thomas of Inner City Ministries said he smelled raw sewage a few weeks ago.
"I think as a society we can do better than what this is," he said.
"Most of the folks here will dig their own holes and they'll bury out here," said Steven Samra, an advocate for the homeless. "They'll bury their waste."
Steven Samra said the smell comes from a storm sewer.
We were there for two hours and didn't notice any odor.
Samra said forcing the homeless to move would cause more problems downtown.
"None of them will go to the mission," he said. "They're very adamant about that. Each has their own reason. They'll end up back downtown."
But police said safety is also an issue. Officers responded Labor Day weekend to a stabbing at the site. A man was hurt and another was arrested.
Pontiac said Tent City is safer than the streets. He hopes city leaders will bring services to them and keep it open.
"Homelessness is not going away. You can only hope to manage it," he said.
Police said they've extended the deadline to leave Tent City so advocates can help find residents new places to stay.
Mayor Karl Dean said he is monitoring the situation. Dean said the decision to close Tent City was made by several government agencies not just the police department.
