Minneapolis City Council authorizes lawsuit to close landlords private homeless encampment

The Minneapolis City Council moved forward with a lawsuit against landlord Hamoudi Sabri for establishing a homeless encampment in his parking lot on E. Lake Street. Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted the absence of safe shelter and sanitation, stating that the legal action is necessary to safeguard community health and well-being. Sabri, who welcomed homeless individuals to camp on his property, defended his actions as a compassionate solution to the homelessness crisis. He has accrued $15,000 in health citations, which he has not paid, and has criticized the city's approach to managing homelessness.

Council Member Jamal Osman expressed concerns about the lawsuit, emphasizing the need for a long-term housing strategy rather than temporary fixes. The encampment, which has grown since July, lacks basic amenities such as running water and toilets, leading to unsanitary conditions. City officials have struggled to balance public health concerns with the need for adequate housing solutions. With all shelter beds filled, the city faces an ongoing challenge in addressing the needs of its homeless population.