Recreational Vehicles (RVs)

Ballard RV Torched Tuesday afternoon, flames erupted inside an RV parked right next to the abandoned Jack in the Box (@JackBox) on NW Leary Way. Not sure if there were any injuries. Unclear how it started. Ironically, the fast food restaurant was burned down just a few months ago by homeless squatters. This part of Councilmember Dan Strauss’ (@CMDanStrauss) district remains packed with tents and RV’s on nearly every block. How many more incidents until the city moves in? Seattle Department of Transportation (@seattledot) is playing whack a mole out here. Every 72 hours, the RV’s just move around and come right back. Is the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (@KingCoRHA) focused on Ballard? Back in March Homeless suspected of Read More ›

Here We Go Again Ari Hoffman (@thehoffather) first to report on a NEW RV encampment expanding on the former Burger King, 7-11, and Baskin Robbins parking lot off S. Rainier Ave. So sad that south #Seattle is losing vital businesses in this already underserved neighborhood. Numerous shops like Grease Monkey (@GreaseMonkeyInt) already left because of crime, shootings, and homeless related issues. Squatters have caused fires and continue to take over these abandoned properties in the city. They know city has limited power to remove them. It’s on the owner of this lot to properly fence it off. At the very least, city should be enforcing this requirement already on the books. Where is Councilmember Tammy Morales (@CMTammyMorales?) She was supposed Read More ›

Major Sweep in SODO…Again Crews are out right now at 3rd Ave. S & Holgate St in SODO. Just in the past year, I have now covered ten sweeps in this area. RV owners openly say they will simply circle around the neighborhood and come right back in a few days or weeks. City and @Seattledot cannot keep up with enforcement. And I spoke to more than a dozen people here on Wednesday. No one is taking offer of shelters or services. Other say they don’t want apartments because they have to pay rent. They just want to be left alone! This is the worst kept secret, but this is one of the most ideal locations for the homeless and Read More ›

Ballard Jack in the Box up in Flames Homeless suspected of burning down part of Ballard @jackbox on Leary Way NW early Wednesday morning. Restaurant remains closed today. I saw worried workers in the parking lot trying to figure out next steps. This location remains problematic and is surrounded by multiple RV and tent encampments. @CMDanStrauss needs to focus on this part of his hood. It’s been cleared multiple times. @MayorofSeattle @GovInslee @kcexec @SeattleFire @CMTMosqueda @D5Juarez @SeattleCouncil @seattledot@KCCouncil #Seattle How Long Will This Last? On Thursday, 8th Ave NW and 6th Ave NW were clear of RV’s. I have not seen it like this for quite some time. But it’s a game a musical chairs. @Seattledot is enforcing the 72 Read More ›

Streets of Seattle Since last year, I have covered multiple encampment sweeps on 3rd Ave S. and Utah Ave S. in SODO. But the tents and RV’s keep coming back and have been hunkered down for months. Business owners say they are demoralized and do not believe the city will ever resolve this. Remember, most of these folks have been offered shelter and services, but refused them. I recognize many of the same RV’s and vehicles that have simply moved around. There are also many new homeless campers. Along with the on going drug use and illegal activity in these situations, look at some of the weapons (SAMURAI SWORD) being carried around. Once again, Tammy Morales (@CMTammyMorales) is MIA and Read More ›

Ballard Problems RV’s removed months ago on NW Leary near @JackBox are back. Encampment next to @albertlee1939 on 8th Ave NW is blamed for fires as homeless try to stay warm. And multiple tents popping up elsewhere. Gonna be LONG WINTER. Blocks and Planters Making a Difference I understand this is a CONTROVERSIAL method to keep RV’s away. But streets near Fremont Brewing are now pretty clear. And look at those new metal planter boxes going in near Camco Electric.

If There Was Ever Any Doubt Multiple people associated with Mexican cartels facing federal charges today after massive drug and firearms bust in Ballard, Bothell, and West Seattle. Authorities confirm RV’s were being used to traffic illegal drugs. Yup, RV’s. Sobering Statistics Every politician/public health official in #Seattle and this region needs to understand, whatever’s on books RIGHT NOW is not working. Drug cartels are winning and killing off an entire generation of Americans. PRIORITIZE WAR ON DRUGS. EDUCATION.INTERVENTION. Good Reminder Authorities say fentanyl users come from all walks of life and it’s so easy to get. But the homeless are especially vulnerable because the dealers drive to encampments, offering concierge service. Why I’m Focused On Drugs I’m starting to Read More ›

Exclusive They’re back! RV’s set up again near 7th Ave S. & S. Fidalgo St in GEORGETOWN after sweep. I’ve obtained surveillance video showing guy removing “ECO-blocks.” Neighbors+biz owners pleading with @seattledot and @MayorofSeattle to enforce. Right Now Entire street was cleared by @seattledot@SeattleSPU@MayorofSeattle a few months ago. I was there when crews moved in. I also saw aftermath when biz owners quietly moved in “ECO-blocks.” Technically illegal to use. This is now a FULL BLOWN street war. The Dude Biz owners say guy with the hat and orange shirt chained up “ECO-blocks” and dragged several to the side of the road so RV’s could move back and park.@seattledot says anyone bringing in these blocks are illegal. What about moving Read More ›

Seattle RV Shuffle Continues I first told you about Ballard’s “Double Decker” RV last year+how neighbors complained about loud noise/music coming from this vehicle. After @SeattleDot enforcement, owner moved on…but just around the corner. City of Blocks Even after @SeattleDot does RV encampment removal, I personally witnessed dozens of RV owners simply move down street. So is this the strategy? Tire everyone out w/sweeps, hoping they don’t return? Until that gets figured out, eco block biz is THRIVING. Business is Booming Concrete “eco-blocks” cost $20-$30 bucks a piece. It’s cheap cause these are considered “scrap.” But here’s the catch, you have to transport these things yourself. Salmon Bay Sand & Gravel ain’t the only game in town. But being in Read More ›