An informational meeting about a new authorized tiny house village planned for the Ballard area became a tussle between neighbors who resist bringing a low-barrier community into their neighborhood and those who welcome the small community.
The Whittier Heights Women’s Village is a 20-person tiny-home community exclusively for homeless women. It will cater to singles, same-sex couples, pregnant women, elderly women, veterans and women with pets. It will also be low-barrier, meaning that residents can consume drugs and alcohol on site. Opponents of the village handed out fliers at the entrance and laid half sheets on all of the chairs. “Are you ready for MORE GARBAGE, RVs CRIME, DRUGS & LIES??” one read.
The most incensed shouted over presenters during the informational portion, and accused City Councilmember Mike O’Brien — who was present — of allowing their neighborhood to decline.
The village has been approved and is expected to open in May.
Ashley Archibald is a Staff Reporter covering local government, policy and equity. Have a story idea? She can be can reached at ashleya (at) realchangenews (dot) org. Twitter @AshleyA_RC
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