BELLINGHAM, Wash. — What began as a few tents on Veterans Day has grown into a full-blown homeless encampment that’s taken over the entire lawn outside Bellingham City Hall.
Mayor Seth Fleetwood says the lawn falls under a city code that prohibits camping in parks, but they’re not taking action against the campers.
He says the current situation isn’t suitable for anyone, including the campers as they are close together in wet and windy conditions.
He says the city is in the process of identifying public property that can be used for a sanctioned encampment and continues to work with the county on longer term solutions.
And while the encampment has been a distraction at times, Fleetwood says staff and citizens have been able to access the court house and conduct the city’s business.
