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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/13/2016 00 Misc Distributed at the Meeting Distributed at thethidy 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 Scsc6n_ I)-- 134 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 PO Box 45367 • Tacoma, WA 98448 • (253) 538-1876 • Fax (253) 538-2716 corporate®tvtowne.net • www tvtowne net