The City of Bellingham worked with the property owners to address the unauthorized encampment near the corner of Northwest Avenue and W. Bakerview Road. We were acutely aware of the concerns expressed by area residents and businesses regarding the growth of this encampment and its negative impacts on the community.
This encampment spanned multiple properties with different owners, which presented complex and unique challenges. While the City responded as swiftly as possible within its authority and available resources, property owners bore the primary responsibility for addressing the unauthorized encampment on their land. The City had limitations in what it could do on private land and focused on providing support, facilitating coordination among property owners, and ensuring public safety.
To resolve the situation, property owners worked together, with guidance and support from the City, and hired a contractor to assist with the cleanup. The cleanup, paid for by the property owners, included clearing vegetation to implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), which is a multidisciplinary approach to deterring crime through environmental design. CPTED focuses on using the physical environment to increase natural surveillance and control access, making a space less inviting for criminal activity. Property owners continue to monitor the site to prevent future encampments.
Other related actions included:
- Social services coordination: The City coordinated with area providers to encourage social services outreach to people living in or visiting this encampment, offering access to treatment, shelters, and other services.
- Direct assistance to area property owners: Our staff proactively reminded other property owners of their responsibilities to maintain and secure their properties. We offered technical assistance in planning preventative measures to secure their undeveloped properties and notified them in advance of any planned cleanups of other properties.
- Increased police presence: We requested additional police patrols in the area to deter crime and ensure public safety. Additionally, we are provided support to neighboring businesses as they implemented their own crime prevention and loss mitigation strategies.
- Enforcement action: The City issued citations to one of the property owners who failed to address public health and safety violations, reinforcing the importance of timely action.
We are committed to finding solutions that balance public safety, private property rights and responsibilities, and the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders and/or behavioral health challenges. We also are committed to keeping our community informed about our actions and progress.
For more information about private property owners’ responsibilities regarding encampments, please visit Unauthorized Encampments on Private Property.
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