(photo added 10:08 am)
The homeless camp that started at Highland Park Way/West Marginal Way (map) – the site that is still under consideration for future jail construction – says it’s back in West Seattle. “Nickelsville” organizers sent a news release last night saying they would be moving from the Southeast Seattle church property where they spent the past three months; then this morning they sent an update saying they’re at 2nd SW and Highland Park Way SW, “… approximate to the original location where they set-up the first Nickelsville in September of 2008.” We’ll be heading out shortly to have a look. 8:55 AM UPDATE: Just stopped by, and got chased off the site shortly afterward by two “Nickelodeons.” It is almost immediately east of the site where they were rousted for alleged trespassing (charges that were dropped recently); we’ll add a few photos shortly. 10:28 AM UPDATE: The Nickelsville spokesperson who sent the original e-mail apologized for us getting rousted, and confirms this is state land, as we noted with the presence of this sign:
As you can see in the top photo, they are still setting up – in addition to tents, tarps, structures, we saw an electrical generator being brought in – as also shown in this video:
As for how the state will deal with this, the spokesperson’s comment was, “That parcel is state land and Nickelsville plans to stay. At this time I’m not privy to any agreements or negotiations.” We’ll be trying to figure out if there’s an appropriate state spokesperson to reach for comment over the weekend. 11:53 PM UPDATE: From the Nickelsville website:
Nickelodeons need your support! This is State land. Ask the State to negotiate not to arrest the Nickelodeons. Please contact Governor Christine Gregoire and State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond immediately and voice your support for the Nickelodeons. …
Be prepared to stand with us should the State choose to arrest rather than negotiate.
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