[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by a verified Burien resident. It represents the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of South King Media or its staff.]
What is the Burien City Council hiding?
On January 27, the Burien City Council plans to vote on Ordinance No. 864, amending BMC 9.85.150 Unlawful Public Camping and BMC 10.15.100 Parking for Certain Purposes. The ordinance will make public camping ANYWHERE illegal, regardless of availability of shelter space, and law enforcement will no longer need to find shelter space before arresting the campers. The crime will be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine and/or up to 90 days in jail.
Whether you agree with this policy or not, the real question is NOT whether the city council should pass it. The question is why the city council is trying to pass it without any input from Burien voters. This ordinance has NOT been introduced at a previous meeting, allowing Burien voters to review it and make comments on it, as normally required. (see section 7 of the Burien City Council Rules of Order at https://www.burienwa.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11045935/File/CityCouncil_RulesofOrder_01292024.pdf). To avoid this requirement, the City Council has declared the ordinance a public emergency ordinance. To pass it, according to the rule 7.6, the ordinance only needs the vote of five council members. It will become effective immediately.
A public emergency ordinance is defined as necessary for the protection of public health, safety, property, or peace. There is no public emergency that has been declared by Washington State, King County, or the City of Burien. And there is nothing happening that requires immediate passage of this ordinance to protect public health, safety, property, or peace.
So why is the Burien City Council trying to pass this ordinance so secretly? Are they afraid that the majority of the voters of Burien don’t agree with this? Do they believe that a large protest against this ordinance will result in backpedaling by some council members?
Do NOT let the Burien City Council pass anything under the guise of an “emergency” that doesn’t exist. Because if you do, next time they try to pass one it may take something away from you.
– Omaha Sternberg
Burien
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The Council has every right to create rules, regulations and ordinances that provide a safe and prosperous environment, why would they not? For those who support, condone or enable people to live outside as some form of right are just promoting hardship and suffering. To not encourage those outside to seek shelter and services wherever they are available is misguided and asinine, Burien is doing what is necessary to stop the foolish beliefs that camping ok.
“To not encourage those outside to seek shelter and services wherever they are available is misguided and asinine”
It seems we agree on this. Unfortunately this new ordinance will mean that shelter does not have to be offered or encouraged in order for folks to be charged with a misdemeanor.
You’re also right that it is our council’s duty to pass legislation. But, it’s important to remember that the council works for all of us, not just a few individuals. Passing this legislation without public input sets a precedent that puts your individual freedom at risk. It is an infringement upon your rights as a Burien citizen.
This ordinance is a big deal, and the citizens of Burien should have some input as to whether its right for us.
I believe the position of the City is this was discussed at length with numerous opportunities for public input back when it was originally proposed more than a year or so ago. Now, due to Court rulings and possible discussions with the KC Sheriff this is purely administrative and nothing more than a procedural step clarifying and hopefully adopting an overdue measure.
Sorry to say I must agree with Ms. Sternbergs concerns related to passing an ordinance with such enormous socio- economic implications and court challenges as well. Of course their obligation is to pass legislation but it must be preceded by a public comment period and followed by a presentation of the legal, humanitarian and economic impacts of such an action. Hiding behind the use of the word “emergency”’is an excuse to avoid the requirement for public comments and to avoid a discussion by the council members is ludicrous at best and cowardly at worst.
Ducking toxic issues is never a good choice.
Of course those who are actually informed about the massive complexities of the housing crisis nationwide understand the costs for housing the homeless in jails and criminalizing them as well is a lose/ lose policy. If you think tiny housing or providing large shelters is costly, compare that to costs of prison. Never mind d the human impact & the fact is it multiplies the problems and solves nothing.
I’m hopeful the Mayor and council will reconsider this alarming avoidance of public and professional input and change course.
Sally Nelson, former BCC member & Mayor
Thank you City of Burien for continuing to make positive steps forward. Owning a home or not owning a home doesn’t = actively doing drugs, committing theft, panhandling, having a lack of morals and refusing outside help… that’s a different issue entirely.
I’m not going into inflation, lack of housing, or any other economic issues because from what I’ve seen the majority of any homeless group that lasts in existence is because of (drugs/theft/mental illness/panhandling/not accepting help) mixed with no repercussions or accountability. There are massive complexities and I agree but one might want to consider how to posture themselves for positive change instead of just making their bed. (Coddling and treating humans like their helpless will make them helpless.)
In regards to homelessness, I advocate for stronger accountability and a more structured approach, especially when drug addiction and criminal behavior is involved. There’s an obvious distinction between those who are genuinely trying to better their situation and those who seem to be caught in a cycle that doesn’t encourage change. Mental illness and addiction certainly plays a majority role in many people’s homelessness. Current systems are not effective in addressing the root causes, and they seem to enable the lifestyle rather than change it. There is a lack of repercussions in these situations, we need to balance helping people who are struggling and want help VS the people who aren’t trying to improve their lives but are held accountable for their actions.
Clear Consequences and Accountability: For those who refuse help or engage in criminal behaviors like theft or panhandling, we need a system where there are clear, consistent consequences. Whether it’s mandating court-ordered treatment, a 3-strike rule, jail or enforcing stricter laws about theft, there has to be a balance between offering help and holding individuals accountable for harmful behaviors. Without this, you will never break the cycle.
Collaboration Between Social Services and Law Enforcement: Social workers, outreach teams, and law enforcement need to work together. In some cases, people experiencing homelessness might need a gentle intervention, but in other cases, law enforcement might be necessary to address criminal behavior. That said, the goal should always be to help individuals get the care they need while also ensuring public safety and order.
Stronger Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Programs: Mental health and addiction issues are often at the heart of chronic homelessness. Expanding access to treatment—whether it’s through public funding or partnerships with nonprofits—is critical. But these programs need to be designed in a way that encourages engagement, not just handing out resources and hoping people will use them. (Strong Oversight and Discipline needed)
Incentives for Positive Change: For those who are willing to take the steps necessary to improve their situation, there should be incentives—whether it’s job training, a pathway to permanent housing, or even access to small financial assistance. Encouraging people to take ownership of their recovery, while providing support, will help people see a tangible way forward.
(Use the homeless to change the homeless)
Thank You, Omaha.
This is what democracy looks like.
It is our job to participate or we risk losing the opportunity to weigh in.
Finally a YES vote, common sense and legal authority has prevailed!!! The Homeless Industrial Complex and it’s local minions have officially lost the argument and can now quit endlessly complaining, all this time while doing nothing but perpetuating the suffering.
Hiding?? What about the new “residential” zone changes for homes on 1st Ave. So.? Could that be another hidden item. The home owners need to know why you, council members think Retail stores should be on and along 1st Ave. So. Don’t you have enough trouble keeping the downtown area of Burien filled and occupied? I hope the pertinent homeowners check this out. It apparently happened this month without much fanfare, I might add.
Burien City Council is corrupt.
There’s no denying it at this point.
It seems to me the residents of Burien have been quite vocal about this topic over the last couple of years, at least! Does anyone not remember the local business owners speaking up about vagrants defecating on their doorsteps. Were the landscaping adjusments on 152nd just cosmetic? Come on people, this situation has been discussed ad nauseam! It’s long overdue. Kudo’s to our City Council.