Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi says it’s time to demand accountability, enforcement, and an end to policies that sacrifice neighborhoods under the guise of compassion
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
For over eight years, a growing encampment near the Share House in Vancouver has taken over city streets and sidewalks. Individuals have erected tents directly in public rights-of-way, while the City of Vancouver has responded not by restoring public order, but by enabling this takeover—placing outhouses and dumpsters in the street and allowing these conditions to persist without obtaining required Street Use Permits.
Link to Photos 8 years of Street Takeover: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mTaZHtwTCbzkrm8q7
The consequences have been severe. This unauthorized encampment has become a magnet for crime, open drug use, and constant calls for police, fire, and medical services. It endangers drivers, with no signage or warnings, and blocks sidewalks—making it impossible for those with disabilities to navigate the area safely. Homeowners and businesses suffer the daily impacts. This is not compassion; this is neglect.
Where policies are permissive, the problems grow — and our mayor has created exactly that kind of environment. Instead of enforcing existing laws, the city has gone so far as to set up a parallel legal system for prosecuting offenses by unhoused individuals — giving preferential treatment that encourages lawbreaking, environmental degradation, and public disorder.
This isn’t just bad policy — it’s a dereliction of duty. Our mayor refuses to acknowledge her role in fostering this crisis, but the results are plain to see: chaos, destruction, and lost livability for law-abiding residents.
It’s time to demand accountability, enforcement, and an end to policies that sacrifice neighborhoods under the guise of compassion.
Peter Bracchi
Vancouver
Also read:
- Opinion: Were Republican voters just sleeping during the August primary election?
CCRP Chairman Matt Bumala says 60% of primary no-shows in the 17th and 18th districts were Republicans. - Opinion: WA Cares’ launch showcased care WA Cares did not provide
Gov. Ferguson showcased a caregiving arrangement at the WA Cares launch that the program had not paid for a single day of. - Opinion: Portland’s War on Cars Part 4 – A smarter automobile strategy to end gridlock
O’Toole argues fuel wasted in Portland-area congestion has sextupled since 1982, generating 250,000 tons of extra greenhouse gases annually. - Opinion: The Tooth Fairy’s secrets to making brushing & flossing magical
Delta Dental of Washington’s Tooth Fairy Experience offers free resources to help children build lifelong brushing and flossing habits. - Opinion: Transit ridership trends are dismal but regional plans are oblivious
Puget Sound transit passenger-miles fell 31% from 2015 to 2024 despite a half-million-resident population increase.
wpDiscuz
