About 75 people who were living in tents beneath an overpass would be relocated two blocks away, Louisiana State Police said. Advocates said the sweep would disrupt progress in finding long-term, permanent housing for those affected.
Other people without shelter living in the historic, tourist-dependent French Quarter neighbourhood would also be moved to the same location, officials said on Wednesday.
Possessions of himless people sit under an overpass as Louisiana State police in New Orleans. (AP PHOTO)
Governor Jeff Landry's spokesperson said the move was taken to address homelessness and safety issues, linking the effort to the upcoming concerts and February's Super Bowl.
"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," Landry's communications director, Kate Kelly, said in a statement issued to local media.
Later, in a statement to The Associated Press, Kelly stressed the move only involved a short distance and that safety was a concern.
"Only the most dangerous blocks - where homeless regularly walk across busy streets - are being shut down," she said.
Initial plans to break up the encampment near the dome came to light on Monday. It is unclear when plans were made to move to the location roughly two blocks away.
There is no indication Taylor Swift had any input in the decision to move the homeless camp. (AP PHOTO)
Many of those in the camp have mental illnesses and are distrustful of authorities and those trying to help them, Kegel said.
"Some people were frightened and left, and that's not good," she said.
"Because then all the work that we did to assess them and document their disabilities and, you know, work with them on their housing plan has now been wasted."
There was no indication that Swift or the NFL - which, four years ago, set the 2025 Super Bowl for New Orleans - had any input in the decision to move the camp. Emailed requests for comment were sent to Swift representatives and the league Wednesday afternoon.
