City of Tacoma to remove homeless encampments along stretch of J Street on Tuesday
Homeless encampments consisting of people, their shelters and their belongings were to be removed along South J Street on Tuesday morning to make room for utility work, the city of Tacoma said Monday.
The removal was expected to run from South 7th to South 13th streets and include encampments between South J Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way, the city said.
The city was scheduled to begin the operation at 9 a.m. The city said it gave notice for the removal on March 8.
The Homeless Engagement and Alternatives Liaison Team reported 15 people, 13 structures and an occupied vehicle in the area, the city said. Out of 22 people contacted by the team, six have accepted services.
“The removal is necessary to accommodate the construction for the underground utility work that needs to take place in this location,” the city said. “Unauthorized Individuals cannot be located in the construction footprint for their safety and the safety of work crews.”
This story was originally published March 22, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
