WEST SEATTLE ENCAMPMENTS: One ‘resolved’ today, one being monitored

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Two notes about West Seattle encampments:

BEHIND HOME DEPOT: A texter reported that it looked like city crews were engaged in a cleanup at this encampment today, and on behalf of the Unified Care Team, city spokesperson Callie Craighead confirms it:

The area behind the Home Depot on Delridge was resolved today with tents and debris cleared. Over the last several months our contracted outreach partners have been engaging with the individuals residing at this encampment and at the time of resolution, 4 out of 5 offers of shelter were accepted.

This encampment has had multiple fire responses, including a big one this past spring.

SCHMITZ PRESERVE PARK: Multiple readers have reported an encampment inside Schmitz Preserve Park (one of whom sent the photo above), and wondered what the city plans to do about it. Nothing yet, Craighead told us:

UCT is actively monitoring the reported encampment at Schmitz Preserve Park. UCT uses an objective prioritization matrix based on health, safety, and accessibility hazards and shelter availability. Based on the current size and impact of this encampment, it is not scheduled for resolution at this time. We will continue to monitor the area and asses the site for resolution based on changing conditions and the availability of resources.

Tim November 13, 2024 (5:26 pm)

I noticed r.v. encampment by Me kwa mook park this last week

Gatewood resident November 13, 2024 (5:42 pm)

These are public spaces and probably have no camping rules. It is beyond me why the city would allow these encampments to persist. Is this the policy that everyone actually wants?

momosmom November 13, 2024 (6:16 pm)

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Well I don’t know maybe you should ask the City of Burien

And come on campers its cold and wet outside please take the help offered!

West Seattle Mad Sci Guy November 13, 2024 (5:59 pm)

Have an encampment out front of my apartment building if you want BUT SERIOUSLY please not in Schmitz!

Paul November 13, 2024 (6:00 pm)

Out of curiosity when they say they monitor a campsite what is the process for this? Do they drive by daily or rely on public input.

Seattlite November 13, 2024 (6:18 pm)

Today in the am, I noticed a huge, dilapidated RV and a beater truck parked on Trenton west of the entrance into Westwood Village. I hope SPD keeps this area clear due to so many high school students walking to and from Sealth HS, the daycare center located in WW Village.

RT November 13, 2024 (6:26 pm)

Terrible idea to ignore this, as a small start of two tents will lead to expansion. Better to offer assistance and relocation asap and continue to monitor this park.

momosmom November 13, 2024 (6:43 pm)

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Someone a few weeks ago posted about this camp in Schmitz Preserve site on a different website and back then it was only 1 tent and a commenter said this person has been there a good 5 years??? Truth I have no idea???

David von Wolffersdorff November 13, 2024 (6:33 pm)

This is absolutely absurd! Monitor it?! Give me a break! These illegal encampments should be shut down as soon as they crop up. Letting them stay for any period of time just lets them get more established and makes it harder to eventually remove them. I am very disappointed in the city of Seattle.

Derp November 13, 2024 (7:03 pm)

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They monitor the site so they can contact the PEOPLE that don’t have housing. Talk to them and offer services and housing. They continue to talk to them, try to get them the help they need. But hey, as a community there needs to be more compassion, these are human beings that are down out and it trying to figure things out. Have any of you complainers actually gone to a site and offer food and clothing. Too actually try and help them, instead of constantly degrading them. It can happen to just about anyone a at anytime.
Luke November 13, 2024 (7:08 pm)

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Agreed ☝️
alkiannie November 13, 2024 (7:12 pm)

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What is your strategy for getting these folks off the streets, David?

West Seattle Lite November 13, 2024 (6:57 pm)

I noticed this tent in Schmitz Park yesterday and then two minutes later, witnessed a minor tagging the concrete bridge support. This was around 11:30 am. It took me so off guard that I was speechless and walked right by without saying anything and now feel guilty for being lame and not speaking up. In my 26 years of walking through Schmitz Park at least a few times a month, this was the first time I’d seen anything like this. I’ll be making calls/emails to whoever so that this doesn’t become a regular thing there.

Al November 13, 2024 (7:06 pm)

Hot take: liberal coddling of issues like this, where there is near universal agreement that laws should be firmly enforced, is exactly the sort of weakness that led Trump to win the election.