King County Decimates Environmental Gem in Burien

On June 3, 2024, we asked King County Sheriff Cole-Tindall to answer questions about the homeless encampment in Burien on King County property. We have yet to receive an answer.

If the sheriff or any of her team responds, we will post it at that time. (cc: Dow Constantine, Teresa Mosqueda, and Chief Ted Boe)

Dear Sheriff Cole-Tindall,

On May 16, King County set up fences to define a homeless encampment in the Burien rain garden which is on KCSO property. It appears there is 24/7 security but it is unclear if the security measures are meant to protect the campers, or to protect people going to the police station and the courthouse.

Last week, there was a massive drug bust.

Last night, there was a multi-tent fire.

Yesterday, endless rains on a property designated as a "rain garden," undoubtedly created an unhealthy/unsafe environment.

Today, we saw a man drop his pants and add a "fecal deposit" to the property.

As the campsite has now grown to at least 40 tents, several Burien residents and homeless advocates have been asking:

"Where are the porta-potties?"

"Are they getting water?"

"Is there trash removal?"

"Where are the service providers?"

________________________

We plan to publish the following questions and your responses by Tuesday 6/4/24 at 4pm. Please respond by 1pm on Tuesday:

1) King County has apparently taken custody of the Burien homeless population. Thank you, but what is King County's long-term plan on this property?

2) How are you collaborating with the City of Burien leaders?

3) What are the long-term environmental implications of using the "healthy rain garden" as a campsite without sanitary, health, or other services?

4) Do you intend to use Burien's earmarked $1 million dollars to serve and protect this vulnerable population now on your property?

Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you.

PS - There are 16 confirmed open beds in Kent for detox and treatment services available at Valley Cities Behavioral Health Center.