Three residents of the Legacy Affordable Retirement Communities (LARC) in Olympia sought help from the Olympia City Council, raising their concerns about the impact of a homeless encampment near the property and citing increased theft and break-ins of vehicles and buildings in the vicinity.
According to Janice Carter, LARC is home to about 160 residents and is being invaded and surrounded on three sides by the "homeless addict." The senior residence is less than a mile from one entrance of the homeless camps running alongside Percival Creek.
"I'm not against homeless. But these people on drugs do not belong here," said Carter, who participated in the public comment segment at the city council meeting on Tuesday. "Our backyard this summer has an influx of teens, prostitutes, and old men looking for a hiding place to do their drugs."
Carter said two vehicles were stolen and multiple break-in incidents happened in the area.
"They've set several fires. They sleep at our doorstep. They use our trash room for their personal use. And they're brave enough to come right into our clubhouse twice. They've driven their stolen vehicles, jumped the curb, and gone down at high speed on our walking trail, which is always somebody on it," Carter described the boldness of homeless individuals actions.
"And if that's not enough, one of them has taken their bicycle, driven it down the hall, knocked a resident on her back, hurt her hips," added Carter, who told the councilmembers that their safety has been seriously compromised.
"I hate to see what's becoming of West Side. But I'm wondering how much more do we have to endure? Can you please help? I don't know where else to go," Carter pleaded.
Another LARC resident, Barbara Arnold, echoed those concerns and noted that the encampment near the retirement community is polluting a local pond and spring. She asked the city to prioritize cleaning up and removing the encampment.
Lydia Finley also shared her experience of being assaulted by a homeless man on her property at LARC. She called on the city to do more to protect residents from aggressive behavior.
In response, Assistant City Manager Rich Hoey said the city is aware of the mentioned encampments. "I believe this relates to the forest community. We are aware of a homeless encampment that is on private property."
Recently, Hoey added, the city's Code Enforcement and the Olympia Police District staff worked together to remove an encampment on private property.
After the public comment segment, he met with the residents for additional information.
"I want to ensure we are talking about the same spot. But some efforts were recently undertaken there," Hoey said. He and the police will follow up with the residents to gather more information about the issues.
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pheong
so, just where is this for those of us as ill-informed as this 'journalist;?
Friday, September 29, 2023 Report this
Deskandchairs
pheong, I understand your point, but just google LARC
https://www.legacyarc.com/senior-living/wa/olympia/larc-at-olympia/map-directions
Friday, September 29, 2023 Report this
FayForward
Accolades to these Seniors for speaking out, sorry you have to experience the stress of these dangerous and unpredictable incidents. We are aware of another encampment on the Westside which causes problems in the area behind the Westside bowling alley. There have been problematic incidents at the Dollar Tree located near there. We also appeal to the City of Olympia to get these illegal campers out of the West-side. With winter weather coming it is not good for them either. Heard on the neighborhood grapevine about fatal overdoses happening at these West-side sites. To allow these addicts to continue their detrimental behaviors on public and private property is flagrantly irresponsible.
Friday, September 29, 2023 Report this
JW
The city doesn't care much about seniors; they'd rather devote resources on drug-addicted and violent criminals. All you have to do is follow the money.
Friday, September 29, 2023 Report this
Claire
Sounds like the feckless Olympia Shitty Council couldn't give a rat's ass. Otherwise, things would have been happening already. New Mayor for starters.
Saturday, September 30, 2023 Report this
MHoraney
Deskandchairs: A reader should NOT have to "just google" anything to find the location of a place, business mentioned in a news article.
It is incumbent on the reporter and the editor to include the address or, if there is no street address, the general location. That's just basic information when telling a story and a regular part of reporting.
And I'm sure the folks at JOLT know this.
So, JOLT people, pls pay attention to this in the future.
Saturday, September 30, 2023 Report this
sonshi
"I believe this relates to the forest community."
Forest Community. That's a new one.
Sunday, October 1, 2023 Report this
Somney
This is the West Side near Yauger Park. Near Capital Medical Center and 101. It has been awful.I had a guy sleeping on my doorstep. I have cameras (doorbell, porch) and there is all kinds of activity 11PM-5AM.
Monday, October 2, 2023 Report this