By Rose Krzton-Presson
Paducah, KY – In a last minute move, homeless residents of Paducah's Tent City have received a one week extension to vacate the area, before facing arrest.
Yesterday, the city gave notice to the homeless community to vacate their tent city by noon today or face arrest on trespassing charges. The tent city is located on private property. Paducah Public Information Officer Pam Spencer says the city will allow the extension if residents remove two flame-retardant Army tents that are heated by wood burning stoves.
Tent City Mission Coordinator Michele Thomas says she's pleased with the extension. But she's unhappy with city official who denied her request today for residents to move to another physical location found by the tent city mission. The Paducah Planning Department, though is currently working to amend zoning ordinances to allow homeless shelters within city limits.