PHOENIX — A judge is ordering the City of Phoenix to clean up a homeless encampment known as 'The Zone.'
'The Zone' includes about 10 blocks surrounding the Human Services Campus at 12th Avenue and Madison Street.
As many as 1,000 people have been living on the streets near 7th Avenue and Jefferson Street.
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Last year, business and property owners sued the city over the conditions.
In August of 2022, the plaintiffs told ABC15 that the goal of the lawsuit is to force city officials to enforce the law, relocate the people in the tents, and clean up the area.
“It doesn't matter that it's hard; it doesn't matter that it might cost money,” said Ilan Wurman, an attorney for the plaintiffs. “It doesn't matter that it might require the city of Phoenix to do things that they don't otherwise want to do. A nuisance is a nuisance, and the law says that it must be abated.”
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A judge issued a preliminary order Monday, that states the city must maintain the public property in the area such as sidewalks and the right of way, and must be free of tents and similar structures.
The documents also mention biohazardous materials must be removed such as human waste and drug needles.
ABC15 spoke with the President of PBF Manufacturing Freddy Brown on Monday, who owns a casket and cremation supply distributor and manufacturer that is within "The Zone".
“We have trucks that we send out every day, and it puts us usually behind trying to get everything organized around whatever is going on,” said Brown.
“It is extremely frustrating, especially with the biological hazards that we have to deal with,” said Brown.
The judge ruled that the city must devise a plan to comply and show results by July 10.
Wurman tells ABC15 they believe "it is a win, not just for the business owners but for the unsheltered community as well because let's be real whatever the city is doing is not working."
Wurman says this ruling gives his team more confidence going into the July deadline.
He adds the city could decide to settle, or they could head to a bench trial.
If they were to settle, Wurman said he and his clients would basically want what’s already listed in the preliminary injunction.
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The City of Phoenix released a statement to ABC15 after the court's ruling:
“The City of Phoenix is currently reviewing the court’s ruling. We remain committed to addressing the needs of all residents and property owners. We continue to work with local and regional partners to address the complex issues surrounding those experiencing homelessness and to connect people in need with safe, indoor spaces and resources to help end their homelessness.”
