Olympia could widen zone prohibiting people from sleeping on sidewalks

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Homeless people sleeping on sidewalks in downtown Olympia could lead to expanded measures by city leaders.

People are already prohibited from sitting or sleeping on sidewalks, streets and alleys during the day throughout a large section of downtown Olympia. However, ongoing complaints from surrounding businesses and neighbors are prompting city leaders to consider enlarging the zone where lying down is prohibited.

“It hasn't been a consistent issue, but there are some days that are worse than others and it can occasionally get to the point where people are having to walk around the car that's parked on the corner to get around the sidewalk,” said Casey Schumpert, who works at Super Silver jewelry store in downtown Olympia. “We don't really mind it when it's in front of the unused spaces, but when it's happening right in front of our store, they are smoking two feet from the door, that's when it becomes an issue."

The city is looking to extend the boundaries from Plum Street onto Eastside Street in an area that includes Quince Street Village, a tiny house facility for the homeless.

Jessica Chance, a homeless woman who was visiting with people at Quince Street Village, said the ban is already unfair and expanding it would be worse.

“That's crazy because there is already nowhere to go anyway. Everywhere they have for homeless encampments, they are all full. You can't get into them,” Chance said. “There's not resources like people think there is for the homeless."

If the expanded ban is approved, people could be cited if they sleep, sit or lie on sidewalks, streets or alleys between 7 a.m. and midnight. The ordinance would not be enforceable during the overnight hours.

During a presentation to council on Nov. 21, Olympia Police Department Deputy Chief Shelby Parker said the goal is to educate people and change behaviors, and violators first receive a warning.

“I've seen the warnings and it's usually, 'Hey you can't be right in front of the business. You need to go somewhere where there's not people trying to constantly walk around,’” Schumpert said.

If someone is cited for pedestrian interference, the case would typically be resolved through community service. Olympia has already issued 99 citations through Oct. 26 of this year. Last year, 148 tickets were written.

The Olympia City Council unanimously approved the measure in a first reading and will take it up for a final vote on Dec. 5. The new boundary would take effect 30 days after final approval.