Boston begins removal of tents along Mass & Cass corridor

BOSTON — The city of Boston began clearing tents from the Mass and Cass corridor on Monday with a goal of having all of the encampments removed in the coming weeks.

A city of Boston spokesperson told Boston 25 News a total of 16 tents were removed on day one of the cleanup.

Forty-eight-hour notices were also posted on some more tents giving people until Wednesday to pack up and clear up.

According to the city, no one will be required to remove their tent before shelter, housing or treatment is available to them.

Community activists told Boston 25 News that approximately 100 tents are still set up as of Monday night.

“I hope it gets better. If they keep doing what they did today, we’ll be okay,” said one neighbor.

Some of those still living in the tents said they don’t feel they should have to leave on a deadline.

“Each person came here for their individual reasons. To put a blanket situation over it, that’s inhumane,” said Shawn Frankson.

Frankson said he’s determined to figure out a living situation on his own terms.

“They can’t condemn all the people down here, saying they’re on drugs… because I’m not on drugs,” added Frankson. “They put people in situations where the streets is the only resort they have left.”

A city of Boston spokesperson sent the following statement to Boston 25 News:

”The City commends the dedication, compassion and professionalism of the City of Boston employees who helped connect 17 people with pathways to transitional housing today. Of those, 9 have already toured new apartments. These efforts also resulted in the storage or removal of 16 tents in the area. Several other individuals enrolled in treatment, moved to shelter, or returned to their own permanent homes. While the progress on the first day was extraordinary, in the weeks ahead, the City remains committed to engaging with every individual who is suffering from unsheltered homelessness or substance use disorder across our city, including those who did not engage in services today. Every single day, City of Boston outreach workers are on the ground connecting our most vulnerable neighbors to medical care and services. Mayor Janey wants nothing more than to protect the public health and public safety of those living in inhumane and unsafe conditions, and to address those who prey upon them. The availability of appropriate shelter, housing and/or treatment bed options for each unsheltered person is what will determine the pace of the City’s current encampment operations.”

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

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