Brian Coddington, Communications Director, 509.625.6740
Friday, March 24, 2023 at 12:41 p.m.
A Superior Court judge declared that the large homeless encampment in the East Central neighborhood has become a public health and safety hazard, declared it a nuisance, and ordered the state to work with the City on a plan to clear it.
A fire and explosion that injured two at the encampment last week led to the City to seek a court order to close the encampment arguing in a hearing on Thursday that the property and surrounding neighborhood is plagued by ongoing drug activity, 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. A hearing has been scheduled for April 19 for the judge to hear the closure plan.
“The judge’s ruling takes us one step closer to restoring the health and safety of everyone in that neighborhood and establishing a firm expectation for those staying at the camp that it is closing by a date certain,” Mayor Nadine Woodward said. “The closure plan will include the availability of services to those in an indoor environment with a bed and regular meals.”
The City contracted with Revive several months ago to provide individualized service assessments and access through the Trent Resource and Assistance Center. Revive also provides services at the encampment through a separate contract making a seamless transition to the navigation center. Overnight space is also available in other area shelters.
Work has already begun on a plan to move people out of the encampment. The plan will include a closure date, which the City has been seeking during months of meetings with the state. The City anticipates scheduling planning meetings as soon as next week.
The City argued in the nuisance action that it has given the state several months notice and opportunity to voluntarily abate the property. The complaint alleged:
