New Orleans Calliope homeless encampment cleared [Video]

New Orleans city leaders are upset over a state-ordered cleanup of homeless encampments under the Pontchartrain Expressway ahead of Taylor Swift’s concerts this weekend. Gov. Jeff Landry authorized Troop NOLA to remove tents and tarps, displacing about 75 people living under the bridge on Calliope Street. City officials said the cleanup disrupts their planned timeline and could push the homeless population into neighboring communities, exacerbating the issue. Despite requests from city leaders to delay the cleanup, the governor’s office proceeded, clearing the site on Wednesday. The cleanup was originally scheduled for Thursday. WDSU reached out to Landry’s office on Tuesday for a response to the Office of Homeless Services and Strategy plea.Kate Kelly of Landry’s office responded, stating, “Governor Landry understands the number one issue facing the city of New Orleans right now is the homelessness crisis, and he is working with LSP and local officials to fix this problem. …