Spokane: City Files for Chronic Nuisance Relief
Washingtoner/10212119

~ The City of Spokane is taking legal action against the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in an effort to close a large homeless encampment located on state property in an East Central neighborhood. The 25-page complaint, filed Monday, alleges that the encampment has had a "tremendous negative impact" on the quality of life, safety, and health of the surrounding neighborhood and community.

Mayor Nadine Woodward said that the city has been patient and tried to work with the state but their requests for a transparent plan with a realistic timeline have been ignored. She added that they are taking this action before anyone else gets hurt.

The complaint states that WSDOT has failed to stop illegal drug and criminal activity at the encampment which has resulted in property crime, trafficking in stolen property, litter and rubbish, reckless burning, vehicle prowling and stolen vehicles, burglary, loss of business, intimidation and harassment, rape and indecent liberties, and threat to public health and safety. It also claims that WSDOT has failed to prevent occupants from entering vehicles or buildings with the intent to commit crimes or organizing theft for sale or trade. Furthermore, it alleges that the accumulation of litter is jeopardizing community health and safety as well as generating an inordinate amount of property damage and loss of business revenue for local businesses.

More on Washingtoner

• Tacoma: Statement from Mayor Anders Ibsen Regarding Recent ICE Activity
• Premium Bail Bonds Proudly Sponsors BOFAB BBQ Team at the 2026 Lakeland Pigfest
• UK Financial Ltd Receives Recognition In Platinum Crypto Academy's "Cryptonaire Weekly"
• P-Wave Press Announces Pushing the Wave 2024 by L.A. Davenport
• Preston Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center Wins Gold and Bronze in Prestigious Annual DIAMOND Awards

The legal action comes after a propane tank explosion caused a fire at the encampment on Friday which resulted in serious injuries to two occupants. This incident is similar to one which occurred at a homeless encampment near Seattle's Ship Canal Bridge which WSDOT said will be closed by the end of this month due to protests by parents and neighbors. Both encampments are close to schools.

Mayor Woodward said that they expect WSDOT to act quickly and decisively as they did in Seattle in order to protect neighborhood interests. The complaint asks a judge to declare the property a drug, chronic, and public nuisance as well as grant a warrant of abatement authorizing immediate closure of the camp along with securing of the property, cleanup of debris, and reimbursement for costs incurred by the City for security services such as garbage collection.

---

Show All News | Report Violation