SEATTLE -- Just as two new city-sanctioned homeless encampments have opened in Seattle, the Department of Planning and Development has released a new map illustrating possible sites for a third.
The new DPD study is in response to a city council ordinance calling for an environmental review into other sites for the homeless in residential neighborhoods. The current ordinance only allows for encampments in industrial zones.
The map includes 1,500 potential sites for a camp but only 46 are on city-owned property.
City staff are currently evaluating the new sites established in Ballard and Interbay before working on permitting for a third city-sanctioned site.
City council has been split on the possibility of a homeless encampment in a residential neighborhood. Mayor Ed Murray says he opposes the idea.
"I do not intend to introduce new legislation (for a new camp)," the mayor wrote in a letter to council members. "Instead I will remain focused on addressing our efforts to find permanent solutions to homelessness."
Earlier this year the city council agreed to a $5 million investment to fight homelessness. $2.3 million in funds are also included in the newest city budget.
