LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — The city of Lansing wanted it gone, but a judge is letting the Dietrich Park homeless encampment stay—so long as property owners clean it up and keep it that way.

In a ruling this week, Ingham County Judge Rosemarie Aquilina said two Lansing businesses could continue allowing tents on their land—provided they install handicap-accessible portable toilets, arrange weekly cleanings, and set up trash removal within seven days. They have two weeks to clear debris, hazardous materials, and fire-damaged items.

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Open flames inside tents or buildings are banned, though outdoor grills and camp stoves made the cut.

City spokesman Scott Bean called the order a win for basic sanitation, buying time for outreach workers to connect residents with shelter before winter. 

“We are pleased that the judge agreed with having the property owners get these basic sanitary services to the people living on their property,” city spokesperson Scott Bean told WLNS 6 News.

Aquilina said she plans to tour the site alongside city officials and the owners. If the businesses fail to comply, the city has authority to step in, clean the site, and bill them for the costs.