‘If they refuse, they refuse’: Boston won’t forcibly remove tenants from Mass and Cass corridor

BOSTON — People living in Boston’s troubled Mass and Cass corridor will not be forcibly removed from a growing encampment in the area when the removal of tents begins Monday, city officials said.

Dozens of tents have reappeared in the area, prompting the city to distribute flyers last week encouraging people to start making arrangements to move their belongings and vacate the area before the encampment protocol resumes Monday.

Boston 25 News observed at least 30 tents still set up on Atkinson Street outside the Engagement Center on Sunday night.

Mayor Michelle Wu confirmed Monday that residents will be asked to voluntarily leave and that they will be directed to shelters and to places to store their things.

In a statement, Wu’s office said, “The City is resuming its tent removal protocol after choosing not to remove tents during the winter months out of concern for the wellbeing of unsheltered individuals. Individuals in the area are being asked to voluntarily remove their tents and are being encouraged to take advantage of the free shelter, substance use treatment, relocation, and storage options available to them. The City’s daily outreach efforts continue and an enhanced case management team is connecting with every individual in the area and developing individualized service plans. Additionally, a new protocol is in place for people to request support communicating or locating a missing loved one in the area known as Mass and Cass.”

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‘It’s gunna spread’: Encampment crackdown to resume in Boston Monday ‘It’s gunna spread’: Encampment crackdown to resume in Boston Monday

When asked what will happen if a resident refuses to leave the encampment, a spokesperson for Wu’s office said, “If they refuse, they refuse.”

The flyer distributed by the city last week said that the removal of all tents and structures on Atkinson Street “is in accordance with our local laws and regulations”.

“We understand that a tent or structure has been your temporary home, but it is important to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the area for everyone. Illegal and harmful activity that has occurred inside tents and structures is of deep concern to law enforcement and public health teams. The presence of tents and structures has also caused damage to the environment and surrounding infrastructure. Emergency vehicles and businesses have found it difficult to access the street. With cold weather subsiding, we thank you for your help making the neighborhood safer by removing encampments,” it stated.

Sue Sullivan, with the Newmarket Business Improvement District, said outreach workers and city crews will be working to prevent people from moving the tents into other neighborhoods.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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