City Council Approves Ordinance to Evict Tent City Residents

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS – The San Angelo City Council members have taken the first step in evicting residents of what many have coined “Tent City” by passing an ordinance amendment that would prohibit camping on or at a municipal facility or public right-of-way.

Bob Salas, Neighborhood Services Director, came before the council to ask council to approve an amended ordinance that would deny camping on public property that is not designed or designated for camping. Despite numerous complaints raised over the past few months concerning several “tent cities” popping up around town, Salas explained that the City can not take any action without legal authority, which the City does not have. Salas said, that the City can create or amend an ordinance that can prohibit “camping in, upon or at a municipal facility; Camping in, upon or at a public right-of-way including sidewalks, streets, alleys, highways, culverts, or any other public property."

The amended ordinance will affect those currently living underneath Loop 306 near Central High School and the McDonalds on Bryant Blvd.  Salas is confident that the numerous resources available to the homeless in San Angelo, such as the Salvation Army, ADAC and MHMR Workforce Solutions, and PHA and COSA will enable “those who want or need help” to find a new living situation.

Currently, between 20-30 people depend on having a place to sleep in their respective Tent City.

SMD5 Council Member Lane Carter said, “we are trying to do this the most humane way possible” affirming that eliminating Tent City will be a “4-5 step process” as the residents' needs will have to be identified, and continuous care will be needed for those who resist.

SMD4 Council Member Lucy Gonzalez asked if the Tent City residents knew this change was looming on the horizon. Salas was only able to say that the residents knew it through the “grapevine” as “the grapevine is very strong in the group.” However, Salas reiterated that he is prepared to help the residents. He explained that he and the Homeless Coalition have formed a volunteer peer counseling group who will “develop relationships  [with the Tent City residents] and they will try to get these folks to the places they need to be to take advantage of the resources."

Despite the new promises made by Salas, there are still many unanswered questions. To find a job, many employees are required to show proof of identification such as a driver's license, a social security card/number, or a birth certificate. Not everyone is equipped to do so. Furthermore, what happens to those who refuse any kind of help after being evicted from the humble place they call home?

A young man from New Jersey posed these exact same questions to council members during the public comment section. Daniel Valenzuela, City Manager, repeatedly referred back to the Salvation Army and their services. Valenzuela added that for those who will not cooperate with the new ordinance, Salas’ peer counseling groups were already in place to build relationships and to make Tent City residents feel more comfortable about the process.

Despite Valenzuela’s answers, no solutions were given on how the council or law enforcement might handle any resident who refuses to leave his/her home after the ordinance will be enforced. 

The ordinance came to a vote and passed its first reading in a 5-0 vote. The ordinance will not go into effect, however, until June 1. Theresa James, the City’s attorney, said, “we have a provision in [the ordinance] saying that we won’t start enforcement until June 1, to allow those folks who are down there to find a place to go so the public shouldn’t expect all the tents to be gone, it won't be until June 1.” The council will reconvene on May 16 to consider final approval of the ordinance.

The next city council meeting will be held on May 16 at the McNease Convention Center. As always, city council meetings are free and open to the public.