Mecklenburg County issues Abatement Order for homeless âTent City,â few answers given on enforcement
Mecklenburg County issues Abatement Order for homeless âTent City after rat infestation By David Hodges | February 16, 2021 at 8:46 PM EST - Updated February 16 at 11:16 PM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Mecklenburg County leaders said the health and safety conditions at the homeless encampment known as Tent City were dangerous and residents had to be moved out to address a growing rat infestation.
However, few answers have been given as to how residents will be moved out if they refuse and what enforcement of the new abatement order will look like.
County provides Tent City residents with hotel rooms but for how long? Joe Bruno, Mark Becker UP NEXT
Citing inhumane conditions, Mecklenburg County Health Director Gibbie Harris announced on Tuesday an abatement of imminent hazard order for residents of North End’s “Tent City.” Those who live at the encampment will have to vacate the premises by Friday at 5 p.m.
County provides Tent City residents with hotel rooms but for how long? UP NEXT
During a meeting Tuesday night, Harris showed commissioners pictures taken last week of rodent droppings, burrow holes, trash and dead rats. Queen City Nerve reporter Justin LaFrancois tweeted video from last January of rats in Tent City.
County provides Tent City residents with hotel rooms but for how long? Joe Bruno, Mark Becker
Replay Video UP NEXT
Citing inhumane conditions, Mecklenburg County Health Director Gibbie Harris announced on Tuesday an abatement of imminent hazard order for residents of North End’s “Tent City.” Those who live at the encampment will have to vacate the premises by Friday at 5 p.m.
County provides Tent City residents with hotel rooms but for how long?
Replay Video UP NEXT
During a meeting Tuesday night, Harris showed commissioners pictures taken last week of rodent droppings, burrow holes, trash and dead rats. Queen City Nerve reporter Justin LaFrancois tweeted video from last January of rats in Tent City.
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February 2, 2021
Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution in support of new non-discrimination ordinances.
“We must learn about each other’s stories, we must listen to how people came to be who they are. This is a soul issue. We must stop dehumanizing others,” said Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, during Tuesday night’s meeting.
It’s mostly a symbolic move, since commissioners aren’t sure if they can legally pass an ordinance themselves.
“We human beings struggle with empathy. We struggle to put aside our story and see the burdens of another person,” said Commissioner Leigh Altman.
The renewed push for new non-discrimination ordinances comes after the end of a nearly four year ban on them.