St. Louis city crews Friday cleared out tents and other materials at a homeless encampment at Laclede's Landing. A couple dozen people had been staying there.
Opponents say bulldozing homeless camps is not how you get people into housing. Those living there also questioned the move.
"A lot of people hurting before this and now where are they going to go? Michael Jones told Fox 2 News. "At least here, they had somebody that could come meet to give food, to give blankets, to give gloves. Where are we going to get these things from now?"
But supporters of clearing out the camp say it makes the area safer.
"My staff and a lot of my tenants feel like we're not held hostage anymore," said Gretchen Minges of local developer Advantes Group. "It's nice to be able to get out and walk around the neighborhood and not have to fear."
The riverfront district has freshly paved streets, upgraded security, and more green space. An old parking garage was torn down opening up the view to the river and historic Eads Bridge. Many of the old buildings have been renovated with luxury lofts, most of which are full.
The city says half of the two dozen people who had been living in the homeless camp have agreed to go to shelters.
