Homeless encampments around the Superdome in New Orleans were removed ahead of Taylor Swift's concerts

CNN
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Homeless encampments around the New Orleans Superdome were relocated under orders from Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry ahead of three sold-out Taylor Swift concerts this weekend and next year's Super Bowl.

“Let me be clear that we want our streets cleared,” Landry said in a statement to CNN on Friday. “At this point it makes sense to consolidate the camps into one location where we can then provide them with shelter and get them off the streets.”

About 75 people were living in tents under an overpass, Louisiana State Police told the Associated Press. They were moved about two blocks away Wednesday, state police said.

“As we prepare for the city to host Taylor Swift and Super Bowl LIX, we are committed to ensuring New Orleans looks its best on the world stage,” a spokeswoman for Landry's office, Kate Kelly, said on Thursday to CNN affiliate WVUE.

Landry is working with state police and local officials to solve the “problem” of homelessness in New Orleans, Kelly added.

The AP reported that about 150,000 people are expected to visit the Central Business District and French Quarter for Swift's shows at Caesars Superdome this weekend.

A representative for Swift did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment.

Meanwhile, homeless advocates in New Orleans say the relocation occurred without notice and thwarted plans to house people.

“Many of these residents were on track to receive housing next month through Home For Good, a multi-agency initiative that has housed nearly 600 people in the last year,” said New Orleans City Councilmember Lesli Harris, who represents the district. where the Superdome is located in downtown New Orleans.

“The new government-approved warehouse near Home Depot in Calliope lacks basic health and safety amenities such as toilet bowls or trash cans,” Harris said in a social media post Thursday.

Some people living in these communities say their personal belongings – including medications, clothing and documents – have been thrown away, Harris said.

State police, whose troopers conducted the dispersal, said in a statement Friday that they were “committed” to the safety of everyone, including the homeless community.

The move provides better access to services and a safer environment, spokeswoman Kate Stegall told CNN.

“It is important to note that living on government property is illegal and Soldiers are committed to ensuring the safety of both the homeless and the broader community while maintaining public infrastructure,” Stegall added.