MADISON (WKOW) – The encampment at Dairy Drive is on track to close by the end of the month and be demolished by October, following a council decision Tuesday night not to extend operations.

The camp, which includes 29 huts and an RV, will be put up for public auction, said Alder Davy Mayer of District 6.

Mayer proposed keeping Dairy Drive open until April 2026, but the council's decision came down to financial constraints.

"More importantly was that the money we have budgeted for demolition this year is not available in the same way next year," Mayer said.

WKOW went to Dairy Drive on Wednesday and asked resident Joseph Russell if he planned to move to the men's Bartillon Shelter , which is expected to hold 250 people and open in spring 2026.

"I have severe PTSD, like most people

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