The mayor's office averted a showdown Friday that involved a protest by homeless people camped in the same spot where the popular weekend Farmer's Market is located.

Under a compromise, the tent city will temporarily move to an asphalt lot across the street from the JFX bridge.

Those living under the bridge over there plan to move over to an empty lot either Friday evening or Saturday. For how long is not known. Interesting, the lot is empty because of a vacant building, except for the homeless people who live there as well.

Charles Johns' home is wherever he can pitch this tent. For now, it's under the JFX bridge. He has electricity courtesy of the city, an electric heater and a cot. This is the last place he wants to be. He said his job shift doesn't match shelter hours.

"Sometimes, having a job can be a curse when you are homeless, and you can't meet certain deadlines that shelters have in our area," Johns said.

Johns has lots of neighbors, including Kenyata Green. He says the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services Workers have good intentions, but no authority.

"They are not really giving us the help that we really need. They are not coming out here really pushing for us to get off the street. They are not placing us in the right places, you know," Green said.

The tent encampment is a protest move to draw attention to the lack of action by the city to address what advocates consider a homeless crisis. Earlier this year, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced a $90 million-investment in homeless services.

"People deserve this extra funding to be utilized to limit some of the trauma, some of the substance abuse, some of the mental illness that's being neglected on the streets of Baltimore City," said Minister Christina Flowers, a homeless advocate.

Scott's office put occupants on notice -- leave or all of their belongings will be cleared.

It is because the tent city is in the space of the popular Farmer's Market. Under a compromise reached Friday between the city and homeless advocates, they will temporarily move to asphalt lot across the street.

But advocates are pushing for a permanent solution by partnering with an organization called Belvedere Real Care.

"So, under the umbrella, there are several different organizations that have housing, that can house these chronic homeless people," said Toni Lee, a homeless advocate.

Advocates said they are hoping negotiations with city hall will continue.

Meanwhile, earlier Friday, the Mayor's Press Office said they would have a statement regarding these developments, but they have not released anything yet.

Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. ©2019, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5