The city of Boston has taken action to clear out the notorious homeless tent city known as “Methadone Mile” in an effort to combat disorderly conduct and crime in the area. Democrat Mayor Michelle Wu ordered the dismantling of the tent colony on November 1, citing the growing dangers posed by an open-air drug market and rampant criminal activities.
Residents and business owners in other parts of the city have reported an increase in disorderly conduct since the removal of the tent encampments. South End resident Makeda Payton expressed her concerns, stating that she still encounters people shooting up drugs and engaging in illegal activities near her home. Other residents have also witnessed drug use, crack smoking, and public defecation.
The Newmarket Business Association has joined forces with the city to pack and store the belongings of the homeless individuals affected by the clearance. The executive director of the association, Sue Sullivan, explained the gravity of the situation, highlighting sex trafficking and drug dealing as some of the issues that plagued the area. She emphasized that the city had no choice but to take action to address the dangerous conditions.
While instances of disorderly conduct have been reported in other areas, Sullivan believes that this is a necessary step towards finding a long-term solution. She urged residents to report any incidents to increase the presence of outreach workers and police patrols in affected areas.
Since the tent city was dismantled, over 100 people have accepted the city’s offer to move into shelters. Outreach workers, police officers, and city employees collaborated to remove more than 75 tents and store personal belongings in a facility managed by the Newmarket Business Association. The program director for the association, Carol Costello, emphasized the importance of honoring the belongings of the homeless.
Prior to the clearance, Boston Police responded to over 5,000 calls in the area since the beginning of the year, indicating a significant increase in crime. The situation was described as “anarchy” and a “powder keg” by Sullivan, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Overall, the dismantling of the “Methadone Mile” tent city in Boston is aimed at addressing the issues of disorderly conduct and crime. While some residents have reported an increase in such behavior in other areas, the city is committed to finding comprehensive solutions and providing shelter and support services to the homeless population.
