FOLLOWUP: WSDOT says one-third of Myers Way encampment residents have moved into housing

(July photo courtesy Diane Radischat)

Almost a month after state and city reps met with Arrowhead Gardens residents< for an update on the encampment across Myers Way from the senior-living complex, it's still there, but the state says progress is being made toward "resolving" it. WSDOT circulated another update out this afternoon, saying that 18 of the 52 known residents “have moved into housing options with the assistance of service providers” and others are expected to do the same “in the coming weeks.” Outreach workers are continuing to work with people at the site, WSDOT says. However, that’s required law-enforcement presence, the update adds, explaining:

Many of you will notice a Washington State Patrol presence at the site this week. As you know, the encampment gets visitors that don’t live onsite, but do affect the dynamics from a safety perspective, so service providers in coordination with WSDOT and WSP requested a law enforcement presence as a safety measure and deterrent.

The update reiterates, “This encampment remains our top multijurisdictional priority site to address as part of the Right of Way Safety Initiative and the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Washington State Patrol, the state Department of Commerce, King County Regional Homeless Authority and the City of Seattle are working together to finalize a site resolution plan.” No timeline mentioned. Shortly after last month’s meeting at Arrowhead Gardens, crews did some cleanup at the site (photo above), including removal of unauthorized fencing and an inflatable pool that had inspired incredulity from observers.

Buttercup August 17, 2023 (3:48 pm)

I have racked my brain and still have not figured out how they got all that water for that big pool. If someone could solve that problem they should be hired as a consultant to solve city problems😂. It’s taking longer to get them out than it took to build their village

ACG August 17, 2023 (6:33 pm)

I read in the comments section on another WSB article on the encampment, that the members of the encampment had somehow altered/broken? a nearby fire hydrant and were getting the water from that source. This was NOT reported directly by WSB, but in the comments section- so I’m not sure of the reliability or accuracy of that statement.

anonyme August 17, 2023 (4:01 pm)

WSDOT is trying to spin this to make it appear that the only criminal element of this encampment is “outside visitors”, perpetuating the myth of victimhood. Absolute BS. I have not seen anything about a deadline. What is a “site resolution plan”, anyway? It’s simple: clear it out and arrest anyone who returns.

Rhonda August 17, 2023 (5:22 pm)

Amen.
rob August 17, 2023 (8:04 pm)

amen

Alki resident August 17, 2023 (5:45 pm)

Are they housing the murderer too? In November, this encampment will have been there a year. Yet 200 tiny homes are sitting in storage that we paid for.

snowskier August 18, 2023 (10:06 am)

WSDOT is redefining their standards for slow play on this one.
Peace August 19, 2023 (6:52 am)

Myers Way encampment has been there since before 2010. I remember it while building Arrowhead. Then trees enclosed it and you couldn’t tell from the road that anyone was there.

WestSeattleBadTakes August 17, 2023 (9:48 pm)

You need only read the comments above to understand why this is and will remain an unresolved problem.

Duffy August 18, 2023 (7:12 am)

Pretty cushy gig to be a criminal right now in Seattle. Basically get to do what you want at the speed of which you want to do it. Carte blanche. If I’m somewhere I’m not allowed to be and I don’t leave, cops would take me away in cuffs. Wonderful job here again but the authorities /s