Homeless Encampment Removed After Years of Disturbance

A homeless encampment that had plagued a St. Louis neighborhood for three years was finally removed on Thursday, bringing relief to residents who had endured the unpleasant conditions.

For three long years, a homeless encampment outside the homes of Toni Figuerroa and her neighbors disturbed their peace and compromised their safety. The site had become a hub of unsanitary conditions, attracting vermin and creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for residents.

"It was an all-around hazard," Figuerroa told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Goodbye and good riddance."

The city government had been working with the homeless couple occupying the encampment for eight to 10 years, according to Conner Kerrigan, a spokesperson for Mayor Tishaura Jones. However, previous relocation efforts had been unsuccessful.

The area occupied by the couple had grown larger and encroached upon the public right-of-way. The lack of sanitation had reached a point where it was no longer habitable, Kerrigan said.

Unable to tolerate the situation any longer, residents Richard Baumhoff and Steven McClanahan filed a lawsuit against the city in February for failing to remove the camp. They claimed that St. Louis officials ignored their pleas for help, leaving them to deal with the consequences.

"For three years, there have been two people living in a makeshift tent in front of their house," the plaintiffs' attorney, W. Bevis Schock, told Fox News Digital. "They have a lovely front porch. They would like to go out ... with a nice cup of coffee in the morning and ... let the sun pour in on them, and that cannot happen because these scary, smelly, noisy people are there."

The lawsuit alleged that the homeless couple, identified as "Doe and Roe" in court documents, had become aggressive towards the plaintiffs and other individuals. It also claimed that the encampment had become a breeding ground for rats and vermin.

"These people aren't taking a shower every day. They have got garbage in their house. They see rats running around. They throw their litter outside their makeshift tent, including things like chicken bones, and that draws vermin," Schock said.

The city's decision to finally remove the encampment was prompted by the public health concerns it posed. City workers began clean-up operations around 9 a.m. on Thursday, with the fire department assisting in the afternoon to wash off the sidewalk.

Residents expressed relief and gratitude that the encampment had been removed. They are hopeful that they can now enjoy their homes and neighborhood in peace.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by municipalities in addressing the issue of homelessness. While efforts are being made to provide services and support, finding long-term solutions that balance the needs of both homeless individuals and the community remains a complex task.