NorthwestApril 23, 2024

Clarkston panel listens to critics of homeless situation at city facility

Kerri Sandaine, of the Tribune
People clap as Jennifer Graham returns to her seat after speaking about the homeless at Foster Park during the Monday Clarkston City Council meeting.
People clap as Jennifer Graham returns to her seat after speaking about the homeless at Foster Park during the Monday Clarkston City Council meeting.August Frank/Tribune
Jennifer Graham speaks about the homeless population at Foster Park during the Monday Clarkston City Council meeting.
Jennifer Graham speaks about the homeless population at Foster Park during the Monday Clarkston City Council meeting.August Frank/Tribune
People that spoke about the homeless population at Foster Park stand outside the Clarkston City Council chambers following the end of public comments on Monday.
People that spoke about the homeless population at Foster Park stand outside the Clarkston City Council chambers following the end of public comments on Monday.August Frank/Tribune
City Councilors look on as a person finishes speaking about the homeless at Foster Park Monday at a Clarkston City Council meeting.
City Councilors look on as a person finishes speaking about the homeless at Foster Park Monday at a Clarkston City Council meeting.August Frank/Tribune

Concerns about the homeless camp at Foster Park once again dominated public comments at the Clarkston City Council meeting on Monday night.

Jennifer Graham, of Lewiston, said the park was once a popular and safe playground for neighborhood kids. Now her grandchildren can no longer use it because the city designated it as a homeless camp.

“Shame on you,” Graham said to the council, drawing applause from the audience.

Fighting, loud music, alleged drug use and other activities have made Foster Park a dangerous place for the public, Graham said. According to her public records request, Clarkston police have responded to 280 calls at the park from Jan. 1 to April 15.

Foster Park, located near Diagonal and 10th streets, is the only city property where people can spend the night. Officials said they understand the concerns, but they have to follow the law, and unhoused residents can’t be denied a place to sleep when no shelter is available.

Chris Alexander said the majority of the people staying at Foster Park are able-bodied and should be working. Handouts are not helping the problem, she said.

“It’s hurting our city,” said another resident.

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Melyssa Andrews, a former city councilor, asked if the jail on Fifth Street could be used as a shelter once Asotin County’s new jail facility is open. City leaders said it would be too much of a liability.

Andrews also questioned whether volunteers are making a positive difference. “There is helping and there is enabling,” she said, drawing another round of applause.

Councilor Russ Evans said a nonprofit group is looking for a designated area for the unhoused. The issue has been at the forefront of discussions and progress is being made.

Councilor Skate Pierce said city leaders understand the frustrations and see all sides. As long as the current laws are in place, the city has to meet its obligations and responsibilities, he said.

Before the homeless issue was raised, the council conducted a 45-minute hearing over suspending the business license of DaBella, a roofing, siding and window company headquartered in the Spokane Valley.

Complaints and code violations led the mayor to suspend the license on Dec. 11. After a lengthy discussion and hearing from the owner, Bryan Blair, the council voted to lift the suspension on June 11.

The roofing company has to regularly communicate with the city’s building inspector and adhere to city code, officials said.

Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.

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