Nickelsville encampment marks 3rd anniversary Saturday

(Photos by Kevin McClintic)
Three years ago – on September 22, 2008 – we covered the sudden arrival of an encampment on a city-owned parcel in eastern West Seattle, calling itself “Nickelsville.” Days later, police were sent in to clear the site. After a subsequent odyssey through more than a dozen other sites, most of them not in West Seattle, the encampment – still calling itself “Nickelsville,” though the mayor’s office had a new occupant – returned to its original site this past May, and the current mayor decided to let the camp stay. For how long? The topic came up briefly at a recent City Council meeting, and the bottom line is that the city is still developing its policies regarding homeless encampments – so no change in the situation appears imminent.

So tomorrow (Saturday), Nickelsville is marking its third anniversary, and its residents welcome you to an open house/party from 3-5 pm, including roast pig that they’re putting on the rotisserie in a few hours. All are invited; they’ll also be cooking donated burgers and hot dogs. And they’re planning a Parade of Pets, so you are welcome to bring yours. More in this WSB Forums post. The encampment is on the northeastern corner of Highland Park Way/West Marginal Way SW.

4 Replies to "Nickelsville encampment marks 3rd anniversary Saturday"

  • miws September 24, 2011 (7:54 am)

    Thanks WSB, for this article, and to our friends in WSB-Land that have been contributing to our par-tay!

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    Just one minor correction, we’re at the southeastern corner of WM & HP. :-)

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    Looking forward to a fun day!

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    Mike

  • Totally Confused September 24, 2011 (10:11 am)

    Is this how I want to spend my weekend? Next time I am in Brazil I want to get the favela experience. This says something about how well the poor/homeless in this country are still way better off then rest of the world, that they can host an open house and provide food.

  • Jiggers September 24, 2011 (10:51 am)

    Hey confused..I’m confused about your comment. What is “well” about being homeless and poor? If you are homeless, it doesn’t matter what country you are in. You are homeless. Period.! Kapiche! No roof over your head=homeless weather you live in Vietnam or America.

  • miws September 24, 2011 (10:16 pm)

    Um, Totally Confused? Most of our food and the necessary serving supplies were provided by some very generous donors.

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    Mike

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