Lakewood, Homeless OK Details Of Tent City Closure

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (AP) — Residents of a homeless encampment in New Jersey have agreed with government officials on the details of a plan to close down the camp after its 80 or so residents have found homes.

Both sides in the years-long Lakewood Tent City dispute have signed a consent order and submitted it to a judge, who is expected to approve it soon.

The parties reached an agreement in principle last month. The consent order spells out how the camp will close down.

A census of camp residents will be taken, and anyone who refuses to be screened for welfare eligibility has to leave the camp. Residents are guaranteed one year of indoor housing, no more than two months of which can be in a motel.

New occupants will be prohibited from the camp.