Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, August 27, 2013
(INDIANAPOLIS) - IMPD officers removed several homeless people Monday morning that have been living under an east side railroad bridge.
WTHR reports that some of those living beneath the Davidson Street bridge said they would fight to stay where they were located. Others decided to pack up and leave.
Earlier this morning, IMPD officers arrived at the homeless camp and have blocked off the streets around the Davidson Street camp.
The city has given notice and posted signs alerting the 50-plus people still living in a homeless camp beneath the CSX railroad tracks on Davidson Street to be gone by today.
They call their informal community "Irish Hill." But now, the city says they need to vacate so CSX can begin railroad bridge inspections.
Some who live at the camp feel this move was just another excuse by the city to hide the homeless. "They just want to move us from here to there to there to there," said Chris, an Irish Hill resident. "But we still here. And the economy still bad. What are they prepared to do to get it fixed?"
"I like living here because it's the only place I got to go, said homeless camp member "Carolina."
"Carolina" said he's lived in this tent under the CSX railroad tracks on Davidson Street for the last year. Saturday, he packed up a few of his belongings.
"Clothes, documents and applications," said "Carolina."
"Carolina" is one of at least 50-people who call this outdoor area downtown, their home.
Last week, the City posted signs outlining that CSX needs to inspect and do work on the railroad tracks. The signs outline that no one will be allowed to live in this construction zone.
"No, No, We are not going to move," said camp member Marcus Young.
Maurice Young said his homeless community will face that Monday morning deadline, head-on.
He said the city is trying to "hide" the homeless problem.
"I think it's time to take a stand. The hide the homeless thing is done - not just for this camp but for all the homeless that live in Indianapolis," said Young.
Young also told Eyewitness News he believes members of several outreach communities will stand by him in protest on Monday.
Young said members of the homeless community have talked about being arrested Monday and have promised not to fight back.
"We've had that discussion. We will peacefully go where ever they want us to go. No violence," said Young.
Some members can't stay and protest Monday morning. One man Eyewitness man talked with is on probation and would risk a harsher penalty. So, he packed up his tent and moved out.
Still, it's a fight for their home.. these people say they'll risk going to jail for: "I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. Packed up and waiting to see," said "Carolina."
A city spokesman has told Eyewitness News police would only arrest people as "a last resort."
This isn't the first time the city has cleared out this area. In 2010, complaints of vandalism, trash and lewd behavior was the reason.
Nearby business owners have complained as well.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.