BURIEN, Wash. — Burien residents are divided over the handling of the homeless crisis in the city. The debate was sparked by the relocation of a homeless camp downtown, allegedly with the encouragement of two city officials.
Dozens spoke both for and against Councilmember Cydney Moore and Planning Commissioner Charles Schaefer during a heated council session Monday night.
The growing encampment at the center of the debate is situated at the intersection of Sixth Avenue Southwest and Southwest 152nd Street. Tents started popping up there a few weeks ago. Some Burien residents argue that the encampment is a safety hazard and that the city leaders’ direction to relocate the homeless to this spot was an overreach. Others, however, defend Moore and Schaefer.
Dr. Randy Olson’s business, Town Square Dentistry, is located right next to the encampment. Dr. Olson was among those who spoke at Monday’s council meeting. He’s concerned about the safety of both his staff and his patients.
“Everyone has rights, the homeless have rights, and so does the citizens of Burien,” said Dr. Olson. “I just want to make sure that we’re not prioritizing the rights of the homeless over the safety and the rights of all citizens.”
Nanita O’Rourke, a Burien resident of 50 years, expressed her frustration at the lack of action by the city council, saying, “When are they going to take actions on this issue? Because it affects the businesses and it affects the community. I want to see they’re doing something positive, really doing something and not just talking about it.”
According to Burien City Manager Adolfo Bailon, the problem facing the city is a lack of resources.
Addressing Bailon and members of the council, concerned community member Nancy Kick argued, “I would just hope that you would focus on where people can go as opposed to where people can’t be.”