NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The last few remaining residents of a tent city behind Ft. Negley were issued citations on Tuesday for illegally camping overnight. While they weren't eviction notices, they might as well have been for the homeless residents who live there.
"I can't go anywhere else," said Clifton Pippin who has been living at the tent city for the last six months.
The citations came a week after the deadline day set by Metro Parks officials for tent city residents to vacate.
Metro Parks Director Tommy Lynch said anyone staying in the tent city after Thursday will be removed.
"What are they gonna do are they gonna throw them in jail? You know I mean these folks have no place to go, half of them have section 8 vouchers but there’s no where to go because everything is full," said homeless advocate Denis Huey.
Mayor-elect, Megan Barry released this statement about the controversial closure of the tent city:
“On Monday, the Homelessness commission working with advocates and our metro departments will be meeting to discuss the issue of encampments and work on the best way to move forward. I’m optimistic that progress and consensus will come out of this meeting."
“As mayor, I will work with homeless advocates, city departments, and our faith community to find temporary and permanent housing solutions for those who are experiencing homelessness, while treating them with dignity and respect in the process.”
