EVERETT — The timeframe for when the city’s proposed “no-sit/no-lie” rule comes into effect has changed. Now, it wouldn’t come into effect until the city’s Pallet Shelter cabins become occupied.
The Everett City Council will vote on whether to approve the ordinance at its Wednesday, March 17 meeting. It starts at 6:30 p.m.
Shifting the timeframe to when the shelter opens dodges a potential Catch-22 by Martin v. the City of Boise, the Supreme Court decision which says cities can’t punish people for camping in public spaces unless the city can offer them available shelter space as an alternative.
The no-sit/no-lie rule would zone out homeless individuals from sitting or lying down along the sidewalk within a three-square-mile area that includes the Everett Gospel Mission and I-5 underpass.
Council kept in a clause to require Good Samaritans to get a permit, vetted by the city, before providing food or aid to people in this area. The city defends it as a way to not be encouraging homeless individuals to congregate in the area hoping for handouts.
Twenty or so people spoke against the measure last week, calling it inhumane and wrong, as well as it will scatter homeless individuals to other parts of the city. Smith Avenue business representatives said this measure would adequately balance a need for personal and customer safety.
Previous coverage with more details:
EVERETT — Dozens of people called on the City Council March 3 to not go forward with a “no sit-no lie” zone near the Everett Gospel Mission under the accusation this criminalizes homelessness.
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EVERETT — The City Council approved taking a $1 million grant to move ahead on the Pallet Shelter program. It also added a condition that the city needs to create a “no sit-no lie” rule that makes it illegal to lay down or pitch a tent in a specific boundary area.
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