Dozens complained about Tacoma homeless encampment off SR-16. Here’s the city’s response
Outreach at a growing homeless encampment near state Route 16 in Tacoma will begin this week, according to a city spokesperson.
The camp is at the Center Street park and ride in the 4400 block of Center Street.
More than 50 complaints made through the City of Tacoma’s 311 non-emergency app started mid-March.
On March 13, a citizen made a 311 request stating, “The parking and ride is quickly accumulating an encampment. Tents are beginning to go up.” The 311 request was under homeless encampment and requests for outreach.
Complaints about the camp continued.
On March 31, a citizen stated on 311, “Motor homes, vans, cars, trailers and tents on Park and Ride property. Today I was walking by and a truck was towing another dead RV into a space. The smell of urine and feces is now present.”
The now-archived request was made under, “Someone living on public property in motor home/vehicle on street.” The city responded saying the Tacoma Police Department was assigned to the issue.
In another 311 complaint on April 3 about “Someone living on public property in motor home/vehicle on street,” someone said people living in vehicles at the public park and ride are making it unsafe. The complaint was assigned to the Tacoma Police Department.
TPD community liaison officer Craig Sugai responded to the complaint that park and rides are governed by the Washington State Patrol and WSDOT and to call the phone number listed on the sign at the front of the parking lot.
Complaints continued as recently as Monday. Another person stated that people living in the encampment were coming onto nearby apartment property, which has led to an increase in crime, including break-ins and a car being stolen. They said trash has piled up alongside the wall of the parking lot. The city said in a response that the Homeless Engagement Alternative Liaison team was assigned to the issue.
Cara Mitchell, spokeswoman for WSDOT, said the agency doesn’t have the authority to remove encampments or the ability to provide meaningful housing or resources. WSDOT relies on local jurisdictions, law enforcement and social services, she said.
Mitchell said the department is working on a contract with a tow truck if the vehicles aren’t moved.
Megan Snow, city spokeswoman, said she isn’t sure when the encampment would be removed. She said Comprehensive Life Resources, a nonprofit organization that provides homeless outreach, would be contracted to start services this week.