- The city is supporting a $3.3 million initiative in West Seattle aimed at establishing a controlled community with 72 RV spots and 20 small homes, offering round-the-clock staff presence and in-person support services.
- Local business owners living nearby voiced worries about possible rises in criminal activity and substance abuse, stating they had not been adequately informed prior to the project’s announcement.
- Project coordinators plan to begin construction in March, aiming to relocate individuals from unsafe vehicles into permanent housing, with a community meeting set for March 5.
SEATTLE–A $3.3 million RV safe lot and tiny home community is set to be developed in West Seattle, yet local business owners claim they were unexpectedly informed about the project and are concerned it may increase existing crime in the neighborhood.
The planned project, known as Glass Yard Commons, is set to be constructed on a secured area managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation, located close to Second Avenue SW and West Marginal Way SW.
The website is currently empty.
What we know
WSDOT stated that it does not have any plans for the property and has been managing encampments and unlawful activities there for many years, which has resulted in significant cleanup costs. In a statement, the agency mentioned that having “a proactive tenant with appropriate facilities” could help address these issues.
The non-profit organization Low Income Housing Institute, referred to as LIHI, will rent the land for more than $63,000 and has received $3.3 million from the city’s budget to support the initiative.
Director Sharon Lee mentioned that the funding “is intended to cover the setup and operations for a year.”
The location will feature 72 RV parking spots and 20 small homes, as well as shower areas, laundry rooms, food services, and support programs.
What they’re saying
Lee cited previous attempts as evidence that the model is effective.
We achieved a great deal,” Lee stated. “We officially retired and destroyed 67 recreational vehicles, and subsequently collaborated with the people residing in those RVs to help them transition into permanent housing.
Lee stated that the objective is to relocate individuals from hazardous vehicles into secure housing.
The other side
However, some local business owners claim they are already overburdened.
Alan Bridgman, head of Northwest Custom Interiors, mentioned that criminal activity in the region has increased over time.
“It’s somewhat difficult when we arrive on a Monday and negative events have occurred over the weekend,” Bridgman stated.
He mentioned that he found out about the project only after DOT workers showed up to take away the concrete eco-blocks from the property.
Very surprised,” Bridgman stated. “No one had been informed about it.
Short-term approaches to address homelessness in Seattle
LIHI provided a letter dated February 24, which it claims is being distributed to businesses and property owners regarding the initiative.
Bridgman is concerned that grouping RVs together on a single section of land in the industrial zone might lead to additional issues.
They take the vehicle, remove the license plate, and cut off the VIN numbers to prevent tracking. Then they essentially dismantle it,” he said. “There is ongoing drug use present. There have been several fires on the property that we have reported to the fire department.
Lee stated that LIHI would focus on relocating individuals residing in recreational vehicles at the location into the upcoming neighborhood.
“If we establish an RV park and tiny homes, we will prioritize moving the individuals currently camping or the existing RVs to Glassyard Commons. We aim to be part of the solution,” Lee stated.
The director mentioned that the site would be enclosed with a fence and feature restricted entry, along with personnel present at all times.
FOX 13 Seattle inquired if this implies round-the-clock security at the location, to which Lee responded, “Yes, yes. We have 24/7 personnel, and we also employ case managers.”
When questioned if the staff would consist of armed security personnel, Lee responded, “Our team is highly trained to manage and resolve conflicts and problems.”
Bridgman doubted if the city is tackling the underlying issue.
“Are you truly cleaning them up? Are you genuinely just trying to conceal it?” Brigman stated.
“What if this tiny house community and RV lot doesn’t function well, and it turns out to be a serious threat to the nearby residents? What is the backup plan?” Bridgman asked.
What’s next
WSDOT mentioned that the lease contract has not been finalized yet. If it is approved, the lease would last until the end of December 2026, with a possibility of extension.
Work is set to start in March, with homes becoming available by June.
A gathering to talk about the project is planned for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, at New Direction Missionary Baptist Church.
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The details in this story are based on original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle journalist Alejandra Guzman.
