Recently a small encampment was set up in the Highland Park neighborhood of Seattle. The original residents of the area didn’t think much of it and went about their daily lives. However, things have gotten out of hand, and residents are earnestly reaching out to the city council for help.
The encampment, which started off as a small cluster of RVs, has now ballooned into a large commune. If they were peaceful and law-abiding people, their presence at Highland Park would have been welcomed. But they have been causing a lot of problems for the people who live there.
A Keen Eye Out
Residents of Highland Park have become more security conscious than ever. The neighborhood used to be safe and homely until the encampment found footing.
Neighbors have also reported the poor conduct of people in the encampment. They have parties and trash the entire place. One resident claimed to have seen members of the encampment setting up an inflatable swimming pool and even using drugs publicly.
Theft, Property Vandalization, and Gunshots
Ever since the encampment was set up, residents have reported crimes and unsafe practices in the commune to authorities. However, there has hardly been any action to check the miscreants.
Cars in the neighborhood have been broken into, property has been stolen, and there are even reported cases of gunshots. The situation has degraded so badly that residents of Highland Park no longer feel safe in their homes.
An Unwanted Commune that Keeps Growing
At last count, there was at least 15 RVs at the encampment, and no assurance that it won’t grow larger. Of course, except local authorities step in. Recently, a homicide team paid a visit to the encampment after a murder case was reported.
Residents were initially optimistic that the homicide case would prompt the city council to disband the encampment. Unfortunately, after the homicide investigation, the encampment still stands, leaving residents heartbroken.
Hunting for Solutions
Residents of Highland Park have officially notified the Seattle City Council about the unbecoming development in their neighborhood, but the only response they’ve gotten so far is a promise by government agencies to intervene soon.
The authorities may need to step in, since this Seattle neighborhood has almost gotten unbearable. At this point, occupants of the encampment are likely seeing themselves as people who can outwit the law.
