SEATTLE — On Thursday, the Seattle City Council approved Mayor Ed Murray’s plan to host about 50 homeless families in RVs on two lots.
The council amended the executive order, giving more specific direction as to how the lots would be run.
Council members voted to have people stay there for a maximum of six months, with a one-time extension of another six months, totaling one year.
They also approved the opening of a third tent encampment for a period of 12 months, with an additional renewal of 12 months.
Two tent encampments opened late last year, after Murray declared a state of emergency for homelessness.
For the RV parks, the council amendment requires a plan for service providers, site management, sanitation, electricity and potable water. They also require a code of conduct at the parks, and increased access to services like rehousing, medical services, and mental health services.
Councilmember Lisa Herbold told KIRO 7 that the parameters would improve the situation: “It doesn’t make sense addressing a mess in one neighborhood and just transferring it to another.”
Still, opponents like Greg Root called for a different solution. Root told the council that some of his employees currently park in the spot in the Interbay/Ballard area where the city would like to place RVs.
“We’re going to replace people who are taxpayers with good family wage jobs, with RVs,” Root said.
He described the scenario as going to work every day with the RV from the TV show "Breaking Bad" parked right outside.
A resident of Magnolia also spoke up, saying she felt crime had increased in relation to the growing number of RVs.
“There are two separate issues: the homeless rights and taxpayer rights. And I don’t think my rights are necessarily being taken into consideration,” said Tonya Casey.
Councilmembers called for the mayor’s office to collect and share data, which would show who is staying in the lots and whether they’re successfully getting help.