We received excellent news from the Human Services Department about the future of Tent City 5! Here is their statement:
“We are pleased to partner with the Port of Seattle to lease their Tsubota property for the Tent City 5 Interbay City permitted encampment, which is scheduled to move from its current location before their permit expires on November 19, 2017.
The City of Seattle participated in community canvassing activities and partnered with the Port of Seattle to hold a community meeting on September 6, 2017. More than 100 neighbors, businesses, non-profits, and faith community members attended that meeting to hear about the project and ask questions.
On September 12, 2017, the Port of Seattle Commissioners voted to authorize the Executive Director to enter into a lease agreement with the City of Seattle for the Tsubota property. Mayor Burgess and the City Council are exploring the best options that meet permitting needs of the re-siting project and expect to resolve this issue soon, before the signing of the lease with the Port.
In addition to the permitting process, next steps include completion of a SEPA Environmental Review for the site. We look forward to partnering with the Port of Seattle, Tent City 5 Interbay residents, Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), and the neighborhood on this important project.
The Episcopal Church of the Ascension Magnolia has agreed to host the Tent City 5 Interbay community notification meeting, 6:30-8:00pm Monday, October 2nd. Pastor Marilyn Cornwell will be the facilitator. The meeting will be in their fellowship hall (2330 Viewmont Way West).”
This is outstanding progress and I want to thank the community members who have guided us to this compassionate solution.