Residents of Charlotte’s “Tent City” required to leave property within 72 hours due to rodent infestation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The residents of well-known Charlotte homeless camp “Tent City” are being required to leave the property within 72 hours due to health risks from a rodent infestation.

Mecklenburg County Public Health issued an Abatement of Imminent Hazard Order to the owners of the property housing the North End Encampment and affecting individuals who reside there (on 12th Street between Tryon and College).

County officials say the order was issued to help address immediate health risks to encampment residents due to rodent infestation on the property. The order is effective at 5 p.m. Feb. 16.

The order states that within 72 hours residents are required to vacate the property and property owners are required to clean the property so that rodent eradication can begin.

“We have taken this action out of an abundance of caution to protect the health of encampment residents,” said Public Health Director Gibbie Harris. “This type of order is rare, but sometimes necessary. In this instance, it will help us better work with encampment residents to find alternative accommodations, many of whom have been reluctant to seek help because of concerns with COVID-19.”

As a result of the order, the county is working with community partners to expand existing shelter capacity and provide additional accommodations and support for encampment residents.

These accommodations will include what is offered to all shelter residents such as access to mental health and substance use services, housing navigation and case management.

The order is available here for reference.

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