Effort to Remove Homeless Encampments in Kensington

In a bid to address the issue of homeless encampments along Kensington Avenue sidewalks, Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration has announced plans for a road closure on Wednesday, May 8. The closure, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., will span from Orleans Street to Allegheny Avenue.

The initiative stems from the city’s 30-day encampment resolution plan, set to conclude on May 8. City outreach teams will be deployed to inform individuals residing in the encampment to dismantle their tents and structures from the sidewalks.

To facilitate this process, Kensington Avenue will be closed to traffic during the specified hours. Motorists will be redirected to Frankford Avenue and other nearby streets.

This marks the culmination of a month-long endeavor that began with the posting of a 30-day notice on the 3000 and 3100 blocks of Kensington Avenue on April 4. Since then, outreach teams and social services have been actively engaging with encampment residents, offering low-barrier housing, services, and connections to treatment.

The closure aims to ensure the safety of city outreach teams as they work on resolving the encampment situation. While city officials estimate approximately 700 homeless individuals in the neighborhood, only about 75 are residing in the targeted area.

Despite the closure, media access to the area will not be permitted to protect the privacy of those involved and to minimize distractions for outreach workers.

This initiative aligns with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s broader plan to enhance the Kensington neighborhood, a commitment outlined in her first 100 days plan.

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