Rumors, fear and confusion have rippled through Old Tent City after the Tennessee Department of Transportation posted several warning signs last week. The state posted at least three public notices at the site, a large encampment between Hermitage Avenue and the Cumberland River currently home to about 100 people living in tents, cars and makeshift shelters.
“All structures are scheduled for demolition the week of September 16th through the 20th,” reads one paper sign affixed to a fence. “All residence [sic] needs to move out no later than September 13th.”
Two other metal signs posted under a stretch of I-24 tell residents to “vacate this property” by Friday, Sept. 13.
The camp spans roughly 20 acres owned by Metro, including parcels adjacent to 88 Hermitage Ave., purchased for $20.3 million under former Mayor John Cooper. Cooper had eyed the site for “Wharf Park,” an amenity built around a riverfront dock and boathouse, offering finalized plans for the site’s development in January 2023. The state controls a small portion of the camp’s footprint below the interstate.
In her latest Metro Council recap, @startleseasily reports on the acquisition of state-owned property on Hermitage Avenue, teacher requests for a cost-of-living adjustment and more
“I’m just as confused as anyone,” says Moses, who lives on the site. “It’s their land and they may just clear anything that they want to clear. They haven’t told anyone what they’re going to do, and I've gotten different stories — it’s confusing for everyone living down there.”
Camp closure policies within Metro’s Office of Homeless Services require extensive outreach, engagement and attempts to house people before the city clears a site.
“About a month ago, TDOT reached out to us and asked if they could get our assistance in helping get anyone unhoused and living under the bridge moved out from under the bridge,” says Demetris Chaney, a spokesperson for OHS. “I think there was some confusion in what their expectations of us might be. I believe their understanding was that we were going to clean out the camp. Before we do any camp closure, we make sure we communicate with anyone at Old Tent City and make sure all people have necessary housing.”
Chaney says the city believed the state was focused narrowly on its portion of the encampment so that TDOT could undertake repairs to the highway. In a private meeting Monday afternoon, city and state officials will try to get on the same page about the future of the site.
According to the state, the Metro Nashville Police Department contacted TDOT several weeks ago requesting the state clear Old Tent City.
“We were approached by MNPD saying this was an area that seemed to be dangerous,” says TDOT spokesperson Erin Zeigler. “We were told to take some steps to clear it. We met with police, parks, Codes and the Office of Homeless Services to get the ball rolling on this. We thought this was part of a bigger project to clear the state’s right-of-way and the surrounding area. We’re meeting today to see what the next steps are, and pausing everything until we can get everyone on the same page.”
