Port withdraws “eviction” proceedings for T-107 Park campers

Two updates this afternoon in the ongoing controversy over whether the homeless encampment that calls itself “Nickelsville” will be allowed to stay on Port of Seattle land at Terminal 107 Park in West Seattle: First, a spokesperson for the encampment sent this short announcement:

The port has withdrawn request to show just cause for eviction of Nickelsville residents. Hearing tomorrow before King County Superior Court Judge Kallas is cancelled. Nickelsville looks forward to meeting with the port this week. Date and time pending.

Second, the port has issued its own, longer statement, posted on its website and republished here in full:

On July 23rd, the Nickelsville encampment moved onto the Port of Seattle’s Terminal 107 public park without permission. Port staff members believe that legally, the Port of Seattle has neither the authority to provide housing nor the ability to donate property for the encampment.

“We understand the difficult situation that many of the Nickelsville members are in, and share the concern of many in our community about the serious problem of homelessness,” said Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani. “But the port must consider not just our legal authority and our responsibility to create jobs and economic growth for the region, but the needs and wants of other residents in the region who live adjacent to and use port parks and facilities every day.”

Yoshitani has asked Washington State Auditor Brian Sonntag, Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna and Washington State Speaker of the House Frank Chopp to clarify the port’s legal authority to donate the property for housing. Yoshitani hopes the request for legal clarification can be expedited.

In a separate action, the port has withdrawn the motion for unlawful detainer filed before King County Superior Court. The motion was scheduled to be heard on August 13th. However, the port reserves the right to proceed with the Notice of Trespass given to the encampment on July 24th, and Yoshitani has instructed staff members to continue working toward the previously stated August 21st deadline for the encampment to leave port property.

“By withdrawing this motion and seeking additional legal clarity, the port continues to try to work through this issue collaboratively,” Yoshitani noted. “I also encourage Nickelsville members and community advocates to maximize efforts to identify a more appropriate site for the encampment.”

Tomorrow marks three weeks since the encampment moved from another West Seattle location, 2nd SW/Highland Park Way, state land where it had been set up for a month, following almost nine months at various locations elsewhere in the city.

d August 12, 2009 (6:37 pm)

In a conversation while conducting business just last week with a business owner a stone’s throw from the park, I was told “they are pretty good neighbors”. The business person said they have had zero problems from the encampment presence. The owner stated they are definitely more concerned about the recession’s impact deterring customers than Nickolodeans harming business. For what it is worth to ya’.

Magpie August 12, 2009 (7:45 pm)

I actually lived on this property growing up and the Port stole it from my family (and many others) through eminent domain. Then they weren’t able to develop it. There are very few homes near here. I’m not even sure that that many people visit the park. Seems like a perfect place for this encampment. I wish them all luck (and I bet there are few folks out there that hold the level of disdain that I do for the Port and their unlimited power)..

Michael August 12, 2009 (8:27 pm)

I think it’s the right move to give the campers a chance to move voluntarily.
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We’ll see if they can do that.

ProudPugetRidger August 12, 2009 (10:46 pm)

Maybe we should rush out and give these able-bodied freeloading squatters healthcare coverage too. Oh wait, we’re already about to do that.
Thank you Port, for continuing to allow/encourage the Duwamish river valley’s status as Puget Sound’s preferred dumping ground. The Port of Seattle’s leadership is impressive indeed. This situation makes me keenly aware that the acronym “POS” has dual meanings.
If my property value didn’t just plummet due to the newly formed homeless encampment I’d consider selling.
YUCK!

j August 13, 2009 (10:29 am)

I drove by that park about 6 months ago and thought it was a place that I should go explore. After going home to grab the husband, we noticed the park had some of the same problems as Westcrest in terms of people trying to find love…if you get my drift. Needless to say, we saw it once and weren’t going back. Perhaps the homeless encampment can clean up the park!

jiggers August 13, 2009 (11:30 am)

I’ve seen way more unrly behavior in popular Lincoln Park than in Tent City I bet. I just love how people “stereotype” the people who have had a string of bad luck and are trying to get back on their feet. Yes… There some who have their darksides, but no one and I mean no one is perfect.

Sorry, comment time is over.