Encampment Focus Of Residents’ Ire
Seattle residents are unhappy about an encampment under the Ship Canal Bridge. Some residents say the growing trash and break-ins is forcing them out of the are The post Encampment Focus Of Residents’ Ire appeared first on The Seattle Medium.
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Seattle residents are unhappy about an encampment under the Ship Canal Bridge. Some residents say the growing trash and break-ins is forcing them out of the area. Over the past couple of years, neighbors living near the Ship Canal Bridge have noticed the encampment growing in size. It has accumulated 20-30 tents. Those who live and volunteer in the area blame a lack of affordable housing and rising rents as some of the main reasons people have ended up in the encampment.
City officials say they send teams out weekly to clean up trash. So far there is no timeline on when the encampment will be addressed or removed. People that know says that from previous efforts, the process can take weeks to complete outreach and clean up.
WSDOT officials shared the following statement:
“We are aware of the encampment near this location on I-5. Encampments on state rights of way are a complex issue and with no easy solution and one that requires strong, multi-partner efforts and a humane, compassionate approach. As we continue to address this challenge, many factors are at play, including housing and shelter availability, along with sufficient time for effective joint-effort outreach with several state agencies and local jurisdictions. When these resources align for each site, WSDOT will post a 72 hour advance notice; but we do not announce sites before those efforts are underway.”
The city also shared a statement:
“The City is aware of this site under the north side of the Ship Canal Bridge. The City has done weekly trash mitigation at that site, most recently this past Wednesday. As this is a WSDOT property, WSDOT will be the lead agency on any further action at this site, including any outreach through their contract with KCRHA [King Co. Regional Homelessness Authority].”
Tenants are constantly complaining about the growing garbage issue. They say that there is garbage piled up and the city said there is nothing they can do. They also mentioned people running across the highway and needles that are on the ground.
The post Encampment Focus Of Residents’ Ire appeared first on The Seattle Medium.
