MPRB puts off vote on rules limiting homeless encampments in city parks

The homeless encampment at Powderhorn Park in south Minneapolis, and dozens of other encampments across the Twin Cities, are expanding. That’s why the Minneapolis Park and Recreation board wants to limit the number of tents at city parks.

MPRB commissioner AK Hassan took a firm stance ahead of the discussion from commissioners on how to handle all the homeless residents camping at the park.

"We must work together as neighbors, as a community, to advocate for emergency housing funding now,” said Hassan. “We cannot kick people out or turn our back and be silenced when literally there is no space for them whether park, city, or county or state-owned land.”

The resolution proposed would’ve worked to clear out the area. The board considered terminating Minneapolis parks as a "refuge" space, while also limiting the number of parks with encampments to no greater than 10 parks, capping that at no more than 10 tents in any park encampment.

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"I myself am in between homes. My truck is right there," said one woman at the park who is homeless. "I sleep there sometimes. I sleep in hotels, I sleep at my family members’. This can happen to anybody. I am an educated woman. I hold a bachelor’s degree."

“What the park board is saying is, ‘We’re going to vote with no plan.’ The city and the county needs to come up with a plan, and then I’ll be in favor of it,” said Hassan.

Later Wednesday night, the board voted, 5-4, to remove the Powderhorn issue off the agenda. However, it’s possible another resolution on the issue could be brought forward.

State and county leaders will meet to discuss the future of the encampment, and park and recreation officials are likely to be there.

Many people attended and commented on the issue, with most opposed to limiting the number of parks with encampments and number of tents in any encampment.