Shooing away Houston's homeless (updated)

Houston is working hard to rectify a dismal seventh place showing in that meanest-cities-to-the-homeless report:

Houston police today rousted dozens of homeless from downtown encampments in a sweep spurred at least partly by complaints from businesses and residents.

Beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing into the afternoon, officers ordered people to gather their belongings and leave locations where they had spent the night in Tranquillity Park, parking lots near homeless shelters and under bridges.

Although some complained, most complied, wandering off with what possessions they could carry. Police made no arrests during the early part of the operation.

Police Capt. Dwayne Ready said the sweep was part of a continuing, comprehensive homeless program delayed since August as the city dealt with the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Houston's (and New Orleans') homeless needn't fret for too long, though -- soon there'll be a lovely park and underground parking garage to call home.

KEVIN WHITED ADDS (01-25-2006): KTRH 740's Chris Baker has it nailed. The city is sanitizing visible parts of downtown in preparation for the NBA all-star game.

Posted by Anne Linehan @ 01/24/06 01:19 PM | Houston Life | Technorati | Sphere | Comments (5)

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