Highland Park RV ‘safe lot’ update: 12 vehicles now expected, and other new information

IMG_1686
(WSB photo)

New information about the RV “safe lot” that the city is setting up at West Marginal Way SW and Highland Park Way, on a paved lot adjacent to the former longterm unauthorized-encampment site (our photo above is from Tuesday morning – part of the canvas-covered chain-link fence at the site has fallen down). As reported here Monday night, the lot could open as soon as February 19th; this afternoon it’s part of the discussion at the City Council’s Human Services and Public Health Committee meeting (2 pm at City Hall).

Documents prepared for the meeting include updates on various city initiatives responding to the homelessness emergency; “targeted vehicle response” is the one that includes the “RV safe lots” about to go into operation in Highland Park and in Ballard. That particular update answers some questions that have been asked, including answers we had been pursuing from the city and its designated operator. From the document:

Each safe lot is located in a zoned industrial area and together, are expected to accommodate 32 RVs in Ballard and 12 in (Highland Park). Each lot will also have sanitation and garbage service and meet several other criteria identified by the City Council in Resolution 31649. All residents must abide by a code of conduct policy that will prohibit drugs and violence and require residents to be good neighbors. The two safe lots are expected to be operational some time in February 2016.

R2H staff will conduct needs assessments and program intakes, distribute rapid re-housing, diversion and flex funds, provide housing navigation services, and connect clients to other resources as appropriate. The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) will manage site operations, including round-the-clock security.

The update goes on to mention the three interim lots the city has set up, none of which is in West Seattle, then continues:

In addition, (the city Human Services Department) is:

1. Working with Maryā€™s Place to identify 10 additional safe parking spaces for homeless families living in vehicles. These parking spaces will likely be located at a congregation in North Seattle.

2. Working with King County to identify up to 25 parking spaces outside of Seattle. King County and the City will jointly fund an additional case management position to serve this population.

3. Partnering with Seattle University, who will build relationships with, and provide technical assistance to, faith-based partners interested in providing additional safe parking spaces.

Budget

The funding for these various programs is approximately $740,000 and includes the following expenditures:

ā€¢ $312,000 in on-going City general fund support for the revamped R2H program.

ā€¢ $284,000 in SOE funds for LIHI to operate the two newly sited safe lots (includes rent, dumpsters, staffing, and site preparation).

ā€¢ $144,000 to provide trash removal and toilets at the interim parking zones.

Data and reporting

HSD will collect data on the following:

āˆ’ # additional parking spots created

āˆ’ # households living in cars contacted through outreach

āˆ’ # screenings/assessments conducted

āˆ’ # households who are provided direct assistance to overcome a barrier (ID, car repairs, employment, etc.)

āˆ’ # households moved into stable housing

In an introductory section, it’s noted that the recent One Night Count found “approximately 1/3 of the unsheltered population (living) in vehicles” – more than 900 people on that particular night. Today’s committee meeting, meantime, is at 2 pm and will have a public-comment period; if you can’t be at City Hall, you can watch live via Seattle Channel (online or cable 21). We’ll update with any other new information revealed during the meeting.

31 Replies to "Highland Park RV 'safe lot' update: 12 vehicles now expected, and other new information"

  • Marty February 10, 2016 (11:47 am)

    12 rigs will get “round-the-clock security”?  What will that cost?

    • WSB February 10, 2016 (11:50 am)

      Cost information for the lots’ operation is also in the information above.

      • Marty February 11, 2016 (9:14 am)

        I asked about the cost of security. I do not see it listed.

    • Mike February 10, 2016 (4:31 pm)

      I love the fact that they get round the clock security while we can’t get proper coverage to stop car prowls.

    • Ellen February 11, 2016 (3:45 pm)

      What exactly is the ’round the clock security’?  A human on-site? A camera?  Or does the fence count?  Also, where can I apply for government-funded round the clock security?  I’m going to need it.  

  • Wsea 98116 February 10, 2016 (12:03 pm)

    Now that there is an option for law abiding homeless RV’s, the predatory mobile crime base RV’s can be removed, towed, impounded- right?!

    • skeeter February 10, 2016 (1:41 pm)

       

      Well lets see.  Last
      month there were 900 people living in cars and RVs.  110 (44spaces times 2.5 persons/space) will
      now have a safe/legal/clean place to camp. 
      That leaves 790 still parking/sleeping/living in vehicles on the
      streets.  So I think you can answer your
      own question nowā€¦

  • Seattlite February 10, 2016 (12:19 pm)

    Seattle is becoming an unfortunate city that is unraveling at the seams due to extremely poor leadership and management.

    • MarcusB February 10, 2016 (1:37 pm)

      Amen. But it has been bad for decades, now we’re feeling the results more intensely.

  • wetone February 10, 2016 (12:50 pm)

     “$144,000 to provide trash removal and toilets at the interim parking zones.”Is that for just the 2 sites ?  and time period of what ? a year. If so that’s crazy, SPU rates at transfer station is $145. ton. How much garbage are these 2 lot’s going to generate ? are they letting occupants run scrap yards out of area’s ?  Porti-potty’s and hand washing stations, how many are they putting in the 2 lots ?  these aren’t that expensive. Occupants should be held accountable for cleaning lots and facilities at the very least. Statement from above also says dumpster’s are paid from the $284,000  LIHI is receiving.  Raising more questions of accountability issues and monies being spent….

  • joel February 10, 2016 (1:32 pm)

    the math on those expenses comes to $740,000 at 44 total RV’s that is almost $17k per year per RV or $1400 per month per RV…..that’s IF their budget numbers are accurate….at that rate they should be getting WiFi, cable and 3 meals a day

  • Tom February 10, 2016 (2:31 pm)

    Time to vote these jokers in the Seattle city councel and the mayor out of office next election. And vote someone in whose FIRST priority is the tax payers who pay the bills…Most of us tax payers want to help the unfortunate, but the political class takes care of the homeless first it gets really tired…

  • holy smokes! February 10, 2016 (3:12 pm)

     the Transfer station is walking distance….is transporting trash really that expensive?  Last time I did it for a home construction project a basic portapotty is about $80 a month to rent….including regular cleaning and servicing.   I’m puzzled by this exorbitant $144k.   Can we as taxpayers ask them to please shop for a better price?    This is more than super fancy schmancy campgrounds make with those decked out motor coaches!    For these prices, I’d think they could do a lot more for a lot more people.      

  • WSB February 10, 2016 (3:18 pm)

    The $144 ,000 is for the three “interim” parking zones (referred to above – none in WS), not the two “safe lots” in Highland Park and Ballard. Those lots’ costs are part of the line above.  – TR

  • holy smokes! February 10, 2016 (3:23 pm)

    OK, still not buying it (ok I guess I am technically buying it!) .  $144k for trash and toilets for interim lots is too much…  that’s highway robbery.     I’d like to see the RFP and the responses, because someone is gaming the system here.

  • West Seattle Hipster February 10, 2016 (4:37 pm)

    I think it is time for an independent audit on where the money is being spent for the “emergency”  homeless situation declared by Ed Murray.  It seems that a small group of RV dwellers will benefit from taxpayers dollars, while the folks who truly could use assistance won’t. _ And I though Mike McGinn was a bad mayor………………….. 

    • Seattlite February 10, 2016 (6:55 pm)

       Totally agree with you.  I would go many steps more and demand an audit of all collected taxes and expenditures for the past 10 years.  Seattle is being duped by people who call themselves leaders when they have no idea how to lead.  King County voters need to do their homework before voting next time around.  Seattle’s feckless mayors have done a lot of damage to Seattle and Mr. Ed is in the top two.

  • D February 10, 2016 (6:30 pm)

    What a waste of money 3/4 of a million dollars glad I plan on selling my home and getting the heck out of town!!!!!

  • Law57 February 10, 2016 (7:06 pm)

    RFP… I would wager these services did not go through the formal bid process.Homeless services is a Seattle cottage industry. Little oversight if any. Temporary actions are as big a problem as homelessness itself. We are an attractive landing spot for many of these people because the impression is we are lax on crime and provide so many services and handouts.

  • dsa February 10, 2016 (8:48 pm)

    It probably did not go through formal bid, RFP (request for proposals) which could/would be why Murry called it an emergency, thus short circuiting bids.

  • New thinking needing February 10, 2016 (9:41 pm)

    Wish the city would pick up my bill for water, sewer and garbage service

  • tm7302 February 10, 2016 (11:19 pm)

    Anyone notice the encampment and the trash on 2nd Ave SW (entrance to S 509)?  I would expect more of the same when the city invites them to stay.  Some of these people need and want help, for others, it’s just a way of life.  That said, I’m tired of watching my neighborhood become an eyesore.  Thanks Mayor Murray and the Seattle City Council…

  • Ex-Westwood Resident February 11, 2016 (8:30 am)

    Audit the city for the money spent????As if they have a clue, or would willingly give up that info! Good luck!!!Over the last 10 years the city, alone, has spent close to $500,000,000 of this issue. Try getting an accounting of where that money went.Now Murray wants MORE money, iirc, another $300,000,000 for it.Before ONE MORE PENNY is spent, requested or taken, I WANT to see where it all went. Not just the city money, but what the county spent and what the Feds kicked in!!! 

  • Kay K February 11, 2016 (9:14 am)

    Great news that security is being managed onsite by this budget instead of expecting SPD to pick up the slack. For those complaining above, this will keep the police freed up to address criminal behavior elsewhere. From my perspective this appears like the city is trying to address neighborhood concerns and provide options for real assistance (moving into more permanent stable housing for example). Also the element of tracking results is key to understanding if this move is working and helping in a meaningful way.

  • wetone February 11, 2016 (12:36 pm)

    How is city tracking people when people aren’t required to have ID, does city require motorhomes to be legally registered and registered owners of motorhomes parked in safe lot’s to actually live in motorhome. How about  drivers license or insurance. There was a motorhome that burned up in Ballard early today two people hurt, will city (tax payers) be liable if something worse happens ?  We need to help homeless but what this city is doing right now is promoting it and wasting huge amounts of tax dollars that should be spent on real transitional housing. City has allowed to many people and groups to get involved, until city stops being so PC  more money will be wasted and little accomplished.   

  • Mickymse February 11, 2016 (12:58 pm)

    Wow! There’s a whole lot of armchair accountants here who don’t have any clue what they’re talking about… although if you’re curous about audits, the City and State and Federal governments all audit various aspects of homeless services each year to confirm that funds are being properly spent. .I suspect it’s not worth my time to have a lengthy argument with folks who would say such things, so I’ll just address one main point. While the amounts above are being directed to 44 spaces that DOES NOT mean you can simply divide by 44. The stated intention is to stabilize people, offer them services, and move them into transitional or permanent housing. So the expectation is to serve more than 44 RVs’ worth of people during the course of a year.

    • WSB February 11, 2016 (2:04 pm)

      Thank you. That’s an important point and one that’s easy to miss – heaven knows I did – unless you are closely acquainted with the details (which we have been trying to delve into, via the service providers, without much luck yet) – TR

    • West Seattle Hipster February 11, 2016 (4:52 pm)

      Are the audit findings available to the public online?

    • joel February 11, 2016 (9:10 pm)

      after the shootings under the bridge the mayor even said the millions spent each year on the homeless are not doing any good – so it would appear the current money is being wasted.  how are the audits showing on how well the money is being spent?  maybe the mayor is wrong and the current millions spent are doing wonders?

  • flimflam February 11, 2016 (4:58 pm)

    I don’t know how safe any of these lots are – RV burned up at  the Interbay site with 2 people inside.

  • holy smokes! February 11, 2016 (5:14 pm)

    @MickeyMse –  I think you’re being a bit unfair with your remarks.  We are not armchair accountants, all though some of us probably have experience in business, or perhaps even an MBA.   What we are though is taxpayers who are funding this effort!  We deserve to have details.  When I see numbers like this without any accountability for the quantitative details about how many people are being served over a specific period of time, I can’t help but wonder if it’s really just a feel good measure.   The numbers feel very out of whack – and yes, I do have a lot of business experience, and yes, I also spent 14 years in higher education.   Responding like we are just complainers and don’t know  our way around a checkbook is kind of unfair.    I read from your remark that you have more answers than I do on this, so please share your details about the projected cost per recipient of the services.    I’d like to know what we are all paying to set up “interim care” for an individual or a family of x size, and I will make a decision for myself as to whether I think those numbers are reasonable.     If there isn’t an RFP, which I admit an “emergency declaration” may circumvent, then I’d hope we at least asked for multiple bids to see if we could provide the best services for the taxpayer’s dollar.      

Sorry, comment time is over.