Duluth Encampment Told To Vacate After Explosion, Overdose, Defecating In Fountain

DULUTH, Minn. — A three-month-old encampment outside Duluth City Hall was declared a serious health and safety risk Tuesday morning.

The city’s Life Safety Team informed those camping on the property to vacate within seven days.

The camping tents first popped up in May as a pro-Palestine demonstration and have since grown to include people who are homeless.

The city said the encampment at Priley Circle, which is also outside the County Courthouse and federal building has produced 138 calls for service in July alone.

The calls have been for an explosion, an overdose and defecating, urinating and bathing in the historic Priley Fountain.

The city said the enforcement is consistent with Duluth City Code and past enforcement practices on public property.

The Life Safety Team is coordinating with community outreach programs as the process to vacate moves forward, according to city officials.