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2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
SUBJECT: Wednesday, August 7 Update on Encampments at Priley Circle
BY: Mattie Hjelseth, Duluth Police Department Public Information Officer
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Wednesday, August 7 Update on Encampments at Priley Circle
Early this morning, Wednesday, August 7, due to ongoing public health and safety concerns, the City of Duluth’s Life Safety Team and members of the Duluth Police Department assisted with the removal of the remaining encampments at Priley Circle.
City staff encouraged voluntary compliance prior to enforcing the seven-day notice. Two individuals were arrested for the charge of obstructing.
A portion of Priley Circle will be closed for an undetermined amount of time while City staff conduct maintenance and restoration of the grounds.
Members of the Life Safety Team and DPD will continue to coordinate with community outreach partners to assist those in need. The City appreciates the assistance of Human Development Center’s Community Crisis Response Team, Downtown Duluth Outreach, DPD’s Behavioral Health Unit, and St. Louis County.
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Tuesday, August 6 Update on Encampments at Priley Circle
On Tuesday, July 30, the encampment was given a seven-day placarded notice to vacate Priley Circle and remove their belongings due to growing public health and safety concerns. Voluntary compliance has been encouraged during those seven days. Upon the expiration of this notice period, the Life Safety Team will enforce the notice as appropriate. Members of the Life Safety Team will continue to coordinate with community outreach partners to assist those during the transition period.
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Tuesday, July 30 Update on Encampments at Priley Circle
UPDATE:
The action of placarding the encampments at Priley Circle is consistent with City of Duluth past enforcement practices for all properties where a public health and safety hazard has been identified. In the month of July, there have been 138 calls for service at Priley Circle. Those include an explosion, an overdose, and additional behavioral health calls. To wait longer could cause serious health and safety risks for occupants, adjacent employees, and the general public.
ORIGINAL:
This morning, Tuesday, July 30, in light of escalating public health and safety concerns, the City of Duluth’s Life Safety Team addressed the encampments at Priley Circle (100 N 5th Ave W). Consistent with Duluth City Code provisions and past practice, those at the encampment were given notice to vacate the area and remove their belongings. The Life Safety Team will continue to coordinate with Community Outreach Programs to assist those during the transition period.
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