This morning Mayor Bill Paxton, City Manager Jeff Pederson, and other City of Paducah staff met with Michele Thomas of Tent City Missions to discuss legal options for the folks currently living in the area of Paducah known as Tent City.  Tent City is located on City of Paducah and private property at the end of Tennessee Street.  Several homeless people have chosen to set up tents on the properties.  Property owners recently signed trespassing complaints requesting the City’s assistance. 

After much discussion, the City of Paducah has granted Tent City Missions a one-week extension on the notice to vacate the private properties.  The prior deadline was noon today.  Mayor Bill Paxton says, “The City has a heart.  We are not the bad guy here.  But there are State and local laws that need to be followed.  We need to respect the rights and wishes of the private property owners.”  City Manager Jeff Pederson says, “The one week extension is in response to the efforts being made to comply with the State and City regulations and the efforts that are being made to find better living conditions for the people staying in the woods.  I am pleased that progress is being made.”

As a condition of the one week extension, the City requests the removal of the large tents that had been erected on the properties.  City Manager Jeff Pederson says, “The critical first step is to remove the large tents that contain the wood burning stoves.  They are a life-safety issue and against the code of ordinances.”

Michele Thomas confirmed to the City that the extra week will allow her and Tent City Missions to work to find alternate housing for those living in Tent City.  City staff also explained that moving the smaller tents to another location was not an option as using portable storage buildings or tents as residences is not allowed under the Kentucky Building Code and the Kentucky Residential Code.

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