The removal of trash, belongings, tents, and a gazebo at a homeless encampment at the corner of Fifth Street and North Grand Avenue has garnered much debate on social media. The items and trash were removed by Springfield Public Works on Wednesday.

The city held a press conference Thursday to speak to the clean-up. Officer Michael Newman, homeless outreach team coordinator, said he worked closely with Community Care Coordinator Shannon Allen to provide resources to the homeless and to collaborate with those who have been residing on the corner for weeks.

Allen also worked with the homeless to determine what items were abandoned and could be discarded. She said individuals were given the opportunity to keep all of their belongings.

Director of Community Relations Ethan Posey indicated a gazebo was removed from the site because it obstructed the view of the intersection.

Posey also said no one was cited during the clean-up and public works equipment was used because it would be too dangerous for someone to remove the trash by hand, not knowing what the trash contained.

Earlier this month, a proposal to create a city ordinance to fine the homeless for public camping was withdrawn. The Community Relations Team is expected to provide a presentation at Tuesday’s city council meeting.