ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona judge orders city of Phoenix to find solution for homeless encampment

Mar 27, 2023, 6:55 PM | Updated: Apr 27, 2023, 11:28 am

(Google Screenshot)...

(Google Screenshot)

(Google Screenshot)

PHOENIX — An Arizona judge on Monday ordered the city of Phoenix to find a solution for the homeless encampment, otherwise known as “the Zone” in downtown.

The order highlighted several issues, including that the city was not enforcing numerous criminal statutes in the Zone, that it was allowing drug use, prostitution and violence, and that the effect on business and property owners in the area was tremendous.

According to the court order, the Zone must be disbanded by July 10 and there must be a plan in place that will produce effective results for business and property owners and individuals living in the encampment.

The court also noted that the vast majority of those living at the Zone are service-resistant, meaning many neglected to accept financial and housing services.

The plaintiffs last August argued to the court that the city of Phoenix’s policies are responsible for the public nuisance as they concentrated the growing homeless population in the Zone, which is centered around the blocks south of Jefferson Street, between Ninth and 13th avenues.

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Arizona gas prices have risen by 28 cents per gallon in the last month....

Kevin Stone

Here’s why Arizonans are feeling more pain at pump than most of nation

Arizona gas prices have been rising at a significantly faster pace than the rest of the nation over the last month, and the worst is yet to come.

26 minutes ago

Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap has downsized his external communications staff from seven to ...

Associated Press

New Maricopa County recorder signals shift away from combating disinformation

Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap is moving away from the office's previous efforts to combat misinformation.

2 hours ago

2025 flu season worse than it's been in 15 years, data shows...

Serena O'Sullivan

Arizona nurse practitioner says this flu season is worse than last

The 2025 flu season is hitting Arizonans hard, with some patients staying sick for a whole week, according to a Banner Health nurse practitioner.

4 hours ago

climate change, young people, Mesa...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Young adults and teens combat climate change through Mesa initiative

A new Mesa grant initiative will allow young adults and teens to compete for funding for projects and ideas that address climate change.

4 hours ago

Fountain Hills law enforcement...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Fountain Hills announces drop in law enforcement costs without reduced service

A law enforcement contract between Fountain Hills and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office will drop in cost in the upcoming year without any reduction in service.

4 hours ago

Investigators look at a crashed Learjet at Scottsdale Airport after it collided with a parked plane...

Associated Press

1 killed, 3 injured in Scottsdale Airport runway crash involving Mötley Crüe singer’s plane

One person died and three others were hurt when a plane owned by Mötley Crüe's singer collided with another plane the Scottsdale Airport runway.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

Arizona judge orders city of Phoenix to find solution for homeless encampment