Judge halts Olympia homeless camp, some allowed to stay

The Olympian reported Tuesday that a judge has granted a restraining order on a homeless camp in Washington’s state capital.

The request came in the form of a lawsuit from four anonymous business owners in Olympia’s downtown area, who petitioned for a halt to plans for a homeless camp. This came after the camp had opened its doors, with dozens of residents having already arrived.

The camp opened on Monday in a city-run parking lot, with strict rules against open drug and alcohol use, drug dealing, assaults, and more.

Judge James Dixon granted a temporary restraining order sought by downtown business owners who argued the camp violates the city’s own law on emergency housing. The judge will hear more evidence before issuing a permanent ruling.

Anyone already residing in the camp at the time of the restraining order will be allowed to stay until that permanent ruling is reached.

The original plan was for the site to house approximately 80 to 120 tents, considerably more than the 40 an emergency housing ordinance would typically allow. That ordinance was initially waived to allow for the camp.

Additional reporting from the Associated Press

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