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

• Haven Treatment Center Now In-Network Partnership with Aetna, Expanding Access to Youth Health Care
• Applicants Sought for the Tacoma Arts Commission and the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board
• Spokane City Council Approves Emergency Tenant Protections
• HydroExcavation.com Relaunches With Exclusive Local Service Areas and Dedicated Hydrovac Manufacturer Directory
• Sky Quarry Enters a Powerful New Chapter: Refinery Restart Emminent, Nevada Oil Initiative and Visibility Put (NAS DAQ: SKYQ) in the Spotlight

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 | Disclaimer | Report Violation