12-10-2020 MPRB Statement re Disbandment of The Mall Encampment

The Mall encampment disbanded due to health and safety issues

Disbandment occurs after two notices served to those living in tents at encampment

 On December 10, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) disbanded the encampment at The Mall. The disbandment follows significant documented public health and safety concerns at the encampment, and ongoing daily outreach efforts to encourage those living at the encampment to move to available shelter spaces.

Prior to this morning’s disbandment, the eight people who were living on site were offered shelter assistance by Hennepin County. One accepted the offer, while the other seven declined.

The MPRB issued notices on November 30 and December 7 to those living in tents at The Mall to vacate the encampment within 72 hours and move to alternative shelter. The notices stated that the narrow strip of land where tents are located is simply not safe for residents. The concerns range from multiple fires that resulted in at least one injury, a fatal overdose, crimes and violence, possible noise ordinance violations, and tents being within the plow wake zone (area where snow from the street is deposited during regular plowing operations) that would be a danger to camp residents in the event of large snow falls.

The temporary encampment permit for The Mall expired on October 22, 2020. In early November, the MPRB issued a Notice of Weather-Related Safety Hazard at The Mall encampment. In mid-November, the MPRB issued Notice of Weather and Fire-Related Safety Hazards at The Mall.

Despite these prior advisories and notice, conditions at the encampment have not improved. Three fires occurred on September 28, November 3 and December 1, causing damage to tents and personal property and a burn injury to one camper on November 3. History has shown the conditions at this site are a public health and safety threat. MPRB Outreach staff have visited the park daily since early October. As part of the visits, staff have found and offered shelter opportunities for individuals within the encampment and have provided contact information for agencies providing resources for people who are unsheltered. Unfortunately, most of the offers of available shelter have been declined since late October. According to Hennepin County, although emergency shelters sometimes reach capacity at night, new shelter beds become available every day, Board and Lodge beds are regularly available, and family shelter is always available.

“Since October we have sought a peaceful disbandment of the encampment, as we have disbanded other sites in the park system. The use of law enforcement has been a last resort at The Mall, as it was at other park encampments,” said Superintendent Al Bangoura.

Details about the MPRB’s efforts related to temporary encampments is at  www.minneapolisparks.org/encampments and includes tent numbers, MPRB support services and a timeline of actions, with links to public updates and presentations, Board actions and MN Executive Orders related to COVID-19, unsheltered people and encampments.