Washington Democrats have introduced a new bill that aims to prohibit the use of "hostile architecture" in local municipalities, preventing the homeless from camping in public spaces.
Senate Bill 6231 defines hostile architecture as "elements designed to restrict the use of public spaces by individuals experiencing homelessness." This includes items such as large rocks, gravel, and fencing that are strategically placed to deter people from sitting or lying down on the streets.
The bill, sponsored by Democratic State Sen. Liz Lovelett, does not, however, extend to state lands such as freeways, allowing the state to continue using these measures. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has already spent nearly $700,000 on placing boulders in areas previously occupied by drug encampments. The majority of these funds, amounting to $643,000, were allocated to a single location at Interstate 5 and Sleater-Kinney Road in Lacey, a suburb of Olympia, WA.
If passed, the bill would exempt items that restrict vehicle access and activities like rollerblading or skateboarding. The proposed legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
The issue of hostile architecture has gained attention in Seattle, where residents and businesses frustrated with the city's lack of action against broken-down RVs and tents occupied by addicts, drug dealers, and criminals have taken matters into their own hands. They have resorted to placing concrete blocks in front of their properties to prevent RVs from parking, only to be cited by the city for their efforts. In contrast, the city has not taken any action against the campers or RVs, some of which have remained in the same spot for months or even years. This selective enforcement has led residents to criticize the city for its hypocrisy.
Aside from the criminal activities associated with these encampments, the presence of RVs near intersections has also created safety concerns. The height and width of these vehicles obstruct drivers' views, leading to potentially dangerous driving conditions and accidents, as observed by local residents.
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