City shares plans for ‘Tent City’ abatement

SAN ANGELO, Texas ( Concho Valley Homepage ) — The City of San Angelo has shared details of its plans for the upcoming removal of the “Tent City” homeless encampment near 14th Street.

Word spread of the camp’s abatement on April 24, when the Concho Valley Community Action Agency provided an outline of how the clear-out would occur as part of a social media post for its April 30 Homeless Navigation Day.

Jason Priddy, case manager for West Texas Counseling & Guidance, previously said during the April 30 event that multiple businesses and residents near the camp raised complaints to the City. The City has now revealed its exact reasons for initiating the removal, though:

“Properties at the aforementioned location are in violation of the city code for tall grass and weeds, and junk and unsightly material,” the City said. “The Code Compliance Division has responded to complaints and notified the owners of the violations. The City will now abate the properties for non-compliance, which is standard operating procedure for this type of situation.”

According to the City, the removal was initially planned for April. However, inclement weather hindered its plans, prompting it to move the abatement to early May.

The City also stated that it has been working with the Concho Valley Homeless Planning Coalition to alert those living in the camp of upcoming abatement.

Once it’s time for the removal, the individuals living in Tent City will be removed from the land while they conduct the abatement. The homeless coalition and the San Angelo Police Department will also be present to offer assistance to those displaced, if needed.

The City estimates that approximately 30 individuals will be removed from the camp as a result of the abatement. However, the homeless coalition “has identified funding to temporarily house homeless individuals being asked to relocate,” according to the City.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.