Nashville Officials Propose That Property Owners Cover Cost Of Removing Homeless Encampments

Image Credit: Homeless In Nashville / Facebook

The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

Nashville residents and business owners could soon find themselves footing the bill if they want homeless encampments moved from their properties.

April Calvin, Director of Metro Nashville’s Office of Homeless Services, made a proposal to initiate such at last Wednesday’s meeting of the Homelessness Planning Council.

Calvin stated at the meeting that business and property owners should share the financial responsibility for the removal of homeless encampments from their properties if they request them.

“If there is a property owner or a business or someone that’s going to ask us to close an encampment or move an encampment, then they should be the responsible party for paying shared costs in that movement,” Calvin said.

She noted that “those are some things I’m looking to put in the after-action plan.”

After the meeting, OHS released a statement saying that they are trying to work with community members to provide additional interim housing options for homeless individuals, as well as additional services for support.

However, OHS also stated that monitoring and cleanup of properties are generally the responsibility of the property owner.

A proposal has not been formally made, but it is being considered for inclusion in the “after-action” plan that will investigate the impact of the recent closure of other encampments.

Data from Davidson County shows that there are about 2000 individuals who are currently classified as homeless. While concern over the issue continues, the county is seeing a decrease in the number of individuals who are residing outside instead of in a shelter or a temporary housing location. Those living outdoors make up 43% of the homeless population.