LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Lansing officials want a homeless encampment cleared—but say they’re also racing to find a place for its residents to go.

The city has filed suit against two local businesses for allowing the encampment to expand on private property without basic services, WLNS 6 News reported. At the same time, Mayor Andy Schor and state Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) are huddling with city departments, legal counsel, and housing advocates to craft short-term solutions for the roughly 20 people living there.

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“Because this camp is located on private property and the property owners are not complying with the law, the city is stepping in to take action,” city spokesperson Scott Bean said. “The trash, debris, human waste, and make-shift structures violate city ordinance.” 

City officials say the camp has no running water or gas and has required repeated emergency responses for fires, violence, and medical calls. A trailer on site was reportedly set ablaze. Outreach teams have previously offered shelter and services, but were later turned away by residents, the city said.

Bean said the city hopes to present “temporary solutions” in court that property owners and advocates could implement while residents are moved into longer-term housing. “There is available space in local shelters for these residents to begin the process of finding safe housing,” he added.

The city maintains that the encampment violates health and safety codes and has drawn repeated complaints from neighbors and businesses. A recently completed homelessness study, the city said, will guide future strategy—but for now, Lansing insists the camp must go.

“The City cannot allow such living situations that are not safe for the individuals residing there and are detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the City of Lansing,” Bean said.