Leaders in Kent are at a crossroads after seeing an expansion of roadside homeless camps. FOX13
Officials are talking about change to police enforcement and bans, even as the King County Council considers spending millions more on service-centered homeless solutions.has been a focus for several months. However, it’s not the only area where people are sleeping outdoors.
Council president Bill Boyce wrote in a statement: "Enforcement of the unlawful camping provisions under the proposed ordinance will be suspended when there is no available shelter except in particular locations such as: environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and shorelines; park areas that are designated for a specified purpose such as picnic shelters and playfields; City rights of way; and City-owned facilities where business is conducted.
Neahad Al-Zadya has owned Ishtar Smoke Shop in Kent for two years. Now he said he’s thinking about closing up shop after what he’s had to put up with these past nine months.He said the area of the city is experiencing issues with homelessness and business owners like him are hurting because of it. Al-Zadya said he installed surveillance cameras to keep an eye one who is coming in and out. He also secured gates to cover the door, windows and surrounding building as protection from vandalism.