Olympia is trying something no other city in the region has done: allowing permit-based RV encampment parking on a city street. FOX13
is trying something no other city in the region has done: allowing permit-based RV encampment parking on a city street. For years, Ensign Road near St. Peter's Providence Hospital has been a de facto RV encampment.
As of Thursday, nearly 40 motor homes, campers and trailers are parked along the public street—almost every one of them has received a parking permit from the city that allows them to stay indefinitely, as long as they follow a set of conditions. "We are changing this zone, and I’m giving out the permits" said Kim Kondrat, Olympia’s Homeless Response Coordinator. She scoffs at the idea of being Olympia’s ‘RV parking czar,’ but she will be handling the permits. If occupants don’t follow the rules, she takes the permit. "I’ve been homeless out here in Olympia for 15 years now," said Wayne, who received a permit. "I really appreciate all that Olympia is doing for us." City crews are in the middle of moving RVs, running or not, to temporary locations, so garbage can be removed and the street cleaned. "It’s a fresh start," said Kondrat. "It’s a reset for everyone. We haven’t tried anything like this before."Everyone responsible for an RV or vehicle must agree in writing to several conditions. Vehicles and RVs can not obstruct travel lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, dumpsters, or fire hydrants. Vehicles that do are subject to immediate tow. Dumping or discharging sewage, trash or any other substance—like oils, auto fluids and paint—is prohibited. Any illegal, violent, threatening, or aggressive acts will result in the immediate revocation of the permit.1 complete bicycle per person Up to 2 accessory propane tanks and mobility devices In a twist on existing parking laws, if the RV is abandoned or has moved away from the permitted parking space for 72 hours or more, the permit becomes void. Olympia law says if an RV stays in one spot for more than 24 hours, it can be ticketed and towed. A requirement of the Ensign Road permit is for its occupants not to move—unless they plan to leave the area permanently. "With all this garbage and everything, I can see why the city is disgusted by it, I’m disgusted by it," said Joshua, who also received a permit. "[I] don't really want to be around here, but this is where I’ve ended up." Kondrat said there is very limited supply of overnight shelter space and services she and her four-person team can offer. The permitted parkers can have their sewage tanks pumped out by the city once a month. There will be multiple port-a-potties and dumpsters along the road.The Pierce County Council unanimously approved legislation for safe parking zones, with the aim of getting people living in their cars from parking on city streets. If people don’t comply with the conditions and refuse to leave, Kondrat said the RV could be towed, but won’t be impounded if they declare it's their only home. A 2021 Washington Supreme Court ruling said cities could not impound a vehicle and put it up for auction of if its occupants declare it to be their home, and they can’t pay the fines.The encampment has been an issue for its nearest neighbor, St. Peter's Providence Hospital for years," said Angela Maki, spokesperson for Providence’s South Puget Sound Region. "We hope the permit system limits or stops growth for this difficult situation. We have been advocating for a few years with the city of Olympia and Thurston County on a compassionate solution and an end to the encampment on Ensign.." she said.
Please follow us on Google to support us United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Brook Park OVI checkpoint announcedAn OVI checkpoint, announced today by the Brook Park Police Department, will take place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. tonight on West 130th Street in the city of Brook Park.
Read more »
Pierce County again approves homeless 'safe parking zone' legislationThe Pierce County Council unanimously approved legislation for safe parking zones, with the aim of getting people living in their cars from parking on city streets. FOX13
Read more »
Complaints, concerns rise with dangerous chop shop operating under First Avenue bridge'I think people appreciate that someone is actually doing something to look, see and try to find their stolen property. Unfortunately, it’s going to take us citizens to do the work that the cops can’t.”
Read more »
'I'm very upset': Senior citizen fighting tow bill despite having parking permit from HHDC managementGetting towed is never fun. From the surprise of your missing car to the shock of the bill.
Read more »
Judge tosses challenge to New York law that opens gun industry up to civil lawsuitsA federal judge Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit from gun industry groups challenging a New York law that permits civil lawsuits against companies for conduct found to have endangered public safety.
Read more »