The commissioners have been working on an updated homeless ordinance that they are planning to sign into law May 19. This is separate from the great work that Cherish is doing at Mill Road. 

Their new ordinance creates multiple unlimited semi-permanent (540 days) drug camps by: 

Promoting unlimited number of campers at any location:

“The maximum number of residents at a temporary encampment shall be determined by the director taking into consideration site conditions.”

Removing the requirement that, “in no case shall the number be greater than fifty (50) people.”

Director being defined as “Community Development Department Director.” That’s Brent Butler — hired from Seattle planing.

Allowing tent encampments to directly abut private housing by giving the director permission to eradicate the ordinance “buffer” as he finds useful.

Removal of the requirement for a 6-foot fence around the encampment when the director determines such that fencing additional screening would not be needed.

Increasing the length of time an encampment can be in place to 540 days.

“Temporary tent encampments may be approved for a period not to exceed 180 days. The director may grant two additional 180-day extensions.

Removal of requirement to reject sex offenders and active warrants. In addition to the existing lack of restriction for drug dealers and drug addicts. 

Is this what Port Townsend wants? Unlimited drug dealers and addicts being provided for within our tri-state area? 

This ordinance has been very poorly written with no protections for its inhabitants or limitations on numbers of people and drug trafficking in multiple mega encampments?

Jane Seymour
PORT TOWNSEND