The city of Indianapolis plans to close Monument Circle to camping and storage of personal belongings for people experiencing homelessness.
The notice from the city’s Office of Health and Public Safety was posted Monday in windows around the Circle. City policy is to provide 15 days notice before evacuating homeless camps. The letter says people have until noon on Tuesday, Jan. 12 to find alternate shelter and a place for their belongings.
The notice says the sidewalk is public property and the encampments and belongings are disrupting pedestrian and business traffic.
In a written statement, Deputy Communications Director Mark Bode said public and private stakeholders have been notified, “and are working with us to ensure any person who has been camping in the area is offered alternative temporary housing options and a connection to a permanent housing solution whenever possible.”
In recent months, downtown Indianapolis businesses have complained of an increase in trash and other problems related to people experiencing homelessness. The Department of Public Works will help people store possessions for up to 60 days.
