PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Superior Court has given the city of Phoenix until November 4 to "abate the nuisance it presently maintains" in the area known as "the Zone."
The new ruling states that since it's been more than a year since the lawsuit was filed and nearly two years since the plaintiffs first tried to get assistance from the city, 45 days is enough time for the city to clear all tents and other makeshift structures from the area known as the Zone.
Once the Zone is cleared, the city is to maintain the area and keep it clear of tents, biohazardous materials and "individuals committing offenses against the public order," according to the ruling.
If the city fails to maintain the area, the court will require evidence of a "substantive, good faith attempt to address any future violations."
The full ruling can be read below:
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ABC15 was told there are still 475 people living in the Zone.
Moving hundreds of people and finding long-term solutions are ongoing concerns for the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU has been in its own legal battle with the city.
RELATED: ACLU files lawsuit to stop cleanup sweeps of 'The Zone' in Phoenix
"Whether they can or can't comply with this order, we will be there to ensure that the constitutional rights of the unsheltered community are upheld," said Jared Keenan, the legal director of the ACLU of Arizona.
The city of Phoenix shared a statement with ABC15 after the court's ruling on Wednesday:
"The City of Phoenix is disappointed with the Court’s ruling. The City is addressing the area around the Human Services Campus strategically, one block at a time to ensure we can offer every individual we engage with shelter. The City is reviewing the Court’s ruling and exploring legal options."
The next hearing for this case will be on November 30.
