From HD.com:
HUNTINGTON -- Huntington police reported no problems Monday as workers used weed trimmers, chain saws and bulldozers to dismantle several tent encampments along the Ohio River.
That doesn't mean the targeted campers were happy about it, though.
The area, commonly known as Tent City, was home to about 20 to 30 homeless people, including one man who simply referred to himself as Dale. He left his camp site a few days ago, after he learned of the city's intentions.
"This is insanity," he said. "It's one big family down here. We don't mess with nobody. We don't mess with any of these kids. We're not selling crack to none of these kids."
Monday's work was part of a multi-faceted effort aimed at dissuading homeless people from setting up camp along the Ohio River, especially near Harris Riverfront Park.
City officials and social workers met with those affected Friday to discuss possibilities for each person's future housing. The outreach session was followed with two days of warnings to leave the area, a densely wooded strip of riverbank between the western end of the park and the Robert C. Byrd Bridge.
Then, the bulldozers and other equipment arrived as scheduled Monday morning. Police said nobody was inside the tents when work crews arrived.
The cleanup will be followed by an increased law enforcement presence at the park.
Matt Turner, 19, of Huntington, fishes at the riverfront three to four times each week. He said the Tent City residents caused him very few problems, but he still believes it is a good idea to remove them from the area. He hopes the effort will make the park more attractive for more people.
"I'm quite impressed," he said of the project. "Every once in a while, (the homeless) come down here and ask for a dollar or two, or if I have any change. They're not really mean about anything, but it's bumming and it gets on my nerves."
Another homeless camper who went by the name Leprechaun had lived in the encampments on and off for three years. Monday he found himself waiting on a church to provide further assistance. Until then, he said he will continue to sleep on park benches or in an alley.
"They are tearing up our home," he said. "The only thing we had."
Mayor David Felinton and others have said residents complain about the park being dirty and unsafe to visit.
But Dale and Leprechaun said the homeless are not to blame. Instead, each blamed it on teenagers and college-age students who visit the park late at night.
"We're all family," Dale said. "We don't mess with nobody."
Leprechaun said this will be his third attempt to escape homelessness, and he doesn't have much confidence that it will be a success.
Dale was more optimistic. He hopes to complete rehabilitation successfully. But he said that doesn't erase his frustration with how the City of Huntington is treating his friends.
"As far as my friends go, leave them alone," he said. "They don't bother nobody."
