Homeless petition quickly gaining traction in Seattle

A petition asking the Seattle City Council to defer a vote on a controversial bill that could make it easier for people to camp in the city is gaining traction.

“Stop Seattle From Turning Our Parks Into Homeless Encampments” had gathered nearly 13,000 by 9 a.m. on Wednesday — that number jumped above 16,000 before 9 p.m. The petition urges the council to wait at least six months before voting on Council Bill 118794 so that the city can further study the impacts it would have. The bill would open city parks and some sidewalks to tent camping.

Related: Seattle businesses take stand against homeless ordinance

Homeless people belong in homes, rehab facilities, mental health facilities or other places where they can get the help they need. Not only does the proposed ordinance note help them, this law will lead to the devastation of our parks that we all have a right to use safely. It will also adversely impact protected wetlands, soils, and environments. Finally, it will most likely attract more homeless persons from other locations to the City of Seattle, where they will expect to be provided free camping or other suitable housing.

The ordinance was proposed by advocate groups, including the ACLU, and introduced by council member Mike O’Brien. The city council voted to run it through its committees.

ACLU and other advocates argue that the city’s policies for addressing homeless issues and clearing out homeless encampments are harmful and making problems worse. The proposal, they say, “strikes a balance between the rights and needs of people sleeping outdoors and legitimate public health and safety concerns.”

But the woman who started the petition argues that it could be detrimental to public spaces in Seattle.

“This ordinance, the way it was written, I just couldn’t believe anyone would think that could be a solution to anything,” Elisabeth James told KIRO 7. “I could see this place (Golden Gardens) being sort of taken over, with tents.”

Related: Lines drawn on Seattle homeless camping issue

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