Trending...
- Primeindexer Google indexing platform launched by SEO Danmark APS
- Spokane: Water Wise Wednesday Workshops Begin March 4
- Amicly Launches as a Safety-First Social App Designed to Help People Build Real, Meaningful Friendships
~ 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
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.
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
- Jack and Sage Acquires Sustainable Apparel Brand Kastlfel, Expanding Premium Logo Wear Across National Parks and Ski Resorts
- The Media Should Protect the Public When It Comes to Boeing — But Does It?
- Cancun International Airport Prepares for Record Travel Surge Ahead of Spring Break, Summer, and the 2026 High Season
- $167 Billion Pharma R&D Market Largely Untapped by AI Creates Major Growth Runway for KALA Bios Data-Sovereign AI Strategy: N A S D A Q: KALA
- Lighthouse Tech Awards Recognize Top HR Technology Providers for 2026
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.
0 Comments
Latest on Washingtoner
- Progressive Dental & The Closing Institute Partner with Zest Dental Solutions to Elevate Full-Arch Growth and Patient Outcomes
- Tacoma City Council Votes to Enter Negotiations with Hyun Kim for City Manager Role
- Tacoma: Registration Now Open for Grit City Connect Networking Event
- HiLine Homes Celebrates Grand Opening of Marysville Model Home with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
- Spokane: City Council Bans Use of Private Property for Detention Facilities
- Spring Surge in 55+ Communities: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know in 2026
- Spokane: City Council Adopts "Immigration Enforcement Free Zones" Ordinance
- Spokane City Council Approves Prohibition of Kraton Sales
- Jason Caras Launches The Caras Institute Following Successful Exit from IT Authorities
- Tacoma: Mayor Anders Ibsen to Deliver First State of the City Address on March 4
- Serina Damesworth Hired as Century Fasteners Corp. – Director of Quality
- City of Tacoma to Host Free Virtual 'Capability Statements 101' Workshop on March 11
- City of Tacoma to Host Free 'AI for Small Business' Workshop on March 10
- Spokane: Downriver Golf Course Opens March 6, 2026
- National Expansion Ignited Across Amazon $AMZN, Chewy $CHWY & Walmart $WMT: NDT Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Stock Symbol: NDTP) $NDTP
- Distributed Social Media - Own Your Content
- Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy Announces Strategic Leadership Appointments to Accelerate Growth and Innovation
- New Environmental Thriller "The Star Thrower" Reimagines a Classic Lesson in Individual Impact
- Summit Appoints Javier Cabeza as Data, AI, and Analytics Practice Lead
- March Is Skiing's Smartest Buying Window