In preparation for Taylor Swift's concerts, which are expected to attract 150,000 visitors to the Superdome in New Orleans this weekend, Louisiana state authorities began removing a nearby homeless encampment. The action, which started Wednesday, will relocate approximately 75 individuals residing under an overpass to a location two blocks away. State officials confirmed unsheltered residents in the French Quarter would be brought to the same location. A rep for Gov. Jeff Landry said it was done out of safety considerations. "As we prepare for the city to host Taylor Swift and Super Bowl LIX, we are committed to ensuring New Orleans puts its best foot forward when on the world stage," said the rep.
However, the decision, which came to life Monday, sparked some criticism from local homeless advocates. Martha Kegel, Unity of Greater New Orleans' executive director, acknowledged that moving the encampment was better than disbanding, but she still called it an unnecessary and harmful move and a waste of state and federal tax money that should go toward sheltering those without homes. Kegel faulted the short timing, noting that the concert dates were announced months ago. Had her agency been contacted, "We could have accomplished what the governor wanted in a humane and rational way and not just push people a couple of blocks away or scatter them," she said.
James Landry, the governor's communications director, emphasized the relocation covered only precarious areas where homeless individuals cross busy streets, asserting it would enhance safety. Yet, some displaced individuals, like Terrence Cobbins, expressed discontent over being moved specifically due to Swift's concerts. "They ain't never did it before for other people. Why Taylor Swift?" he said. There is no indication that Swift's team had anything to do with the decision. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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