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City of Kalamazoo tells homeless protesters they have to vacate Bronson Park

After going back and forth with a group of homeless protesters, the city has decided to not allow them to stay in Bronson Park.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The city of Kalamazoo decided that homeless protesters have to vacate Bronson Park by 7 p.m. on Sept. 18.

In a statement from the Kalamazoo City Manager, Jim Ritsema, the city cites ordinances which say camping in any park is prohibited without permission.

A group of homeless people have been camping in the park as a way to protest the unsafe living conditions where they used to reside at Kalamazoo's Mission Shelter.

"I just don't feel safe there," Shane Williams told 13 ON YOUR SIDE at the beginning of September.

The city said on Monday, Sept. 17 that it will not give the protesters permission to continue camping in Bronson Park.

"The growing encampment in Bronson Park is not a solution to the issues surrounding

homelessness. It is a violation of city ordinances and must end," the city's statement read.

People who continue to camp in the park after 7 p.m. on Tuesday will be subject to arrest or prosecution, Ritsema said.

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