Public meeting at Market Street encampment site this Monday

A community meeting is being held this Monday August 3rd, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Ballard VFW Post 3063 (2812 NW Market Street), next door to the proposed encampment on Market Street. The meeting has been organized by residents responsible for the online petition “Seattle City Council: Don’t Tell Ballard to Shut Up,” which has now surpassed 1,280 signatures.

Organizers have asked Mayor Ed Murray, City Councilmember Mike O’Brien and Diane Sugimura– director of the city’s Department of Planning and Development– to meet with Ballard residents at this time.

As for the RSVPs? Councilmember Mike O’Brien, running to represent District 6 on City Council, has agreed to attend the meeting. A definitive answer has not yet come from Mayor Ed Murray and his key city staffer.

The main question that the organizers hope to have answered will be of the city’s selection process for the Market Street Encampment site in particular.

Other questions on the agenda will include:
• What other local sites were considered?
• What steps were taken to inform neighbors and gather community input?
• Is there still time to find a location that will work better for Ballard and the homeless residents?
• And how will the city address the potential impacts to local residents and businesses?

The group says they plan to have a moderator to ensure the discussion remains on track, with as many residents as possible getting to ask their questions and have them answered directly from city leaders.

Additionally, donation barrels for the Ballard Food Bank will be on site for the meeting’s duration and attendees are encouraged to bring something to give.

Volunteers could be used for tasks including set-up and take down for the meeting. If interested, email speakupballard@gmail.com.

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