SEATTLE, Wash. -- Citing the need for an immediate, temporary solution to a city-wide problem, Seattle's Planning, Land Use and Sustainability Committee took public comment Thursday night on a plan to allow more homeless tent cities.
The proposal, which has the approval of the Mayor Ed Murray's office, calls for a new kind of Temporary Use Permit that lasts one-year. Three permits would be issued, and would make it possible for up to 100 homeless people to camp on selected city properties.
"I believe it's a more cost effective and humane way to deal with the challenge we face," said Councilman Mike O'Brien, who sponsors the law.
Tent cities already exist in Seattle on private or church-affiliated land. This proposal would create city approved tent cities, complete with government oversight and social services.
They would also only be allowed in certain parts of the city, and not in any residential areas.
Seattle's homeless problem is growing. Recent statistics show a 15% increase in the city's homeless population from 2013-2014.
"If we allow affordable housing to continue to disappear, then the numbers are going to grow," said Susan Russell, a woman who used to be homeless but now lives in transitional housing.
"We're going to need more encampments."
Others are not convinced more tent cities is the best solution. During public comment, many pointed out the encampments would only hold 300 people at a time, well short of the most conservative estimates of Seattle's homeless population.
"They're basically building a prison," commented Edward Ormiston, now living at the Nickelsville tent city, "They're going to be living on a concrete slab. You cram 100 homeless people into one area, I guarantee you're going to have problems."
The proposal now goes to the full committee for debate before being presented to the city council.
