St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her has announced a plan to close three homeless encampments in the city, starting with the largest, in Pig’s Eye Park, on Aug. 5.
Why it matters: The mayor’s ambitious and controversial plan signals a big shift in St. Paul officials’ approach to a growing problem with unsheltered homelessness.
- Previously, despite laws against unsanctioned camping, city officials have tolerated encampments up to a point.
What they’re saying: “We do not want to have any more established encampments moving forward,” assistant mayor Cedrick Baker recently told the City Council…