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ESTER B. HUEY
1311 South 75th Avenue, #2
Yakima, WA 98908
509 965-6504
December 12, 2016
TO Yakima City manager Mr Cliff Moore &Yakima Councilpersons
SUBJECT New Proposed Homeless Encampment Site
It is my understanding that tomorrow, December 13, 2016, a Council Study Session will be
held to discuss the proposed new site for a City of Yakima Homeless Encampment. I certainly
admire and appreciate Councilperson Ms. Dulcie Gutierrez' concern for the Homeless
Population She has shown a care and compassion that is exemplary and should be
applauded for the same I have long been concerned about the lack of "a place" for the
homeless and have been a strong advocate for the Council to find a solution to this problem
However, I have a concern about the proposed location that is before you the back lot of
the East Nob Hill Fire Station. This lot sits on the back side of the station on East Central
Avenue I would call to your attention and for your consideration that this location sits in a
heavily traveled location for two of our most vulnerable populations. .Seniors/Elderly and
young children, as follows
1. Almost directly across the street from the proposed location is a Low Income
Apartment Complex that houses many children, one block east of that complex is
another Low Income Complex with many small children These children catch their
daily Head Start and Yakima School District buses throughout the day, at the corner of
East Central and South Eighth Streets, approximately one-half to one block from the
proposed homeless encampment. These children are already somewhat high risk and
I believe they would be at very high risk if some in the homeless population are
located in this close proximity to them throughout the day
2 The Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church sits on the corner of Central and South Eighth Streets.
This church serves an elderly population, many are in their late 70's and over They
would also be put at risk.
3 The Henry Beauchamp Jr Community Center faces Central Avenue between South
Seventh and South Eighth Streets. It operates morning Senior activities and a noon
Senior Lunch Program with Seniors in and out up until about 1 PM each day It also
operates after school programs Monday through Friday during the School Year and a
Summer Park program in the adjacent Center Park. It is also rented out most
weekends for an in-door youth soccer program Hundreds of children stream in and
out of the Center seven days a week. These two vulnerable
populations seniors/elderly, and children (I believe) would be put at extreme risk is
the proposed site is approved
4. In addition, when the State Fairgrounds and its facilities are used (frequently), cars are
parked all along this area from the corner of South Sixth and Central Streets east to
Fair Avenue I believe this would pose a risk for vehicle vandalism and other related
illegal activity, including nuisance panhandling not only to local residents but also to
our out-of-town guests.
For the reasons I have outlined above, I am very concerned about this proposal If the
encampment should be located in this area, it would require ambitious security which would
be very costly I hope you will take my concerns seriously and I know that all the Council is
aware that I am and have been an advocate for the Homeless and have appeared before you
several times in that capacity I care deeply for their plight and want to see a viable solution
to the same. However, it is my belief that this particular location presents too many risks for
our most vulnerable populations and I would ask you to consider other less risky sites.
Thank you for your consideration of my concerns.
Most sincerely,
Ester B. Huey
Concerned Community Member
oi Distributed at theUti
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TV TOWNE
December 12, 2016
RE Proposed Yakima Homeless Encampment Location
Dear Mayor Kathy Coffey,
On Friday, December 9, 2016 I spoke with Joan Davenport,Yakima City Development Director about the
proposed Homeless Encampment and she suggested I write you a letter before your meeting on
December 13, 2016 at the Yakima Council Chambers.
I am writing to oppose the location of the Homeless Encampment in Yakima close to our business. I am
convinced given past history that locating the Homeless Encampment close to the Yakima Fire Station 95
will lend to more problems. Given the history that the City of Yakima has not been able to prevent
graffiti,the homeless defecating, leaving garbage in our parking lot and trying to sleep around our
building, I believe that the location of the Homeless Encampment will create additional problems for my
business and the others located near the proposed Encampment.
I don't think that the City of Yakima should even consider the location of the proposed Encampment
unless the City of Yakima can control the conduct of the homeless.
I have read the article and I have heard the arguments in support of the Homeless people However
based upon my experience and observations I believe that the proposed Homeless Encampment, if
approved by the City of Yakima will lead to further injury and damages to nearby businesses, including
mine
Respectfully,
61,64440-9- S44-0
Cheryl M Berg
President
TV TOWNE, INC.
Corporate Office
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