There was a rising chorus of criticism and concern this week regarding proposed changes to the city’s policy on disbanding encampments located on public property. A vast majority of those who gave public comment at Monday’s Albuquerque City Council meeting expressed unease about updates that would significantly reduce the amount of notice given to those experiencing homelessness before the disbandment process takes place — from the current 72-hours to less than two-hours in some cases.
“Priority 1 encampments” would require little to no notice, according to a draft of the proposed policy obtained by City Desk ABQ . Such encampments are defined as those located within one-block of Central Avenue, where many are typically located.
Other encampments that would be considered priority one are those located within 300 feet of school property, school bus stops and day care centers. The tier includes encampments located within city parks, within 10-feet of a roadway, and those on a highway or off-ramp, sidewalks, alleys, trails and a long list of other areas .