BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The Bellingham City Council has voted to establish a shelter protection zone around the Base Camp homeless facility.
It bans camping, sitting or sleeping on the sidewalk and living in vehicles near the center in the former Public Market building on Cornwall.
The council says it’s in response to complaints about disorderly conduct, intoxication, human waste and other problems plaguing the area.
Council member Michael Lilliquist answered critics who say it’s another victimization of the homeless.
But homeless advocate Markis Dee tells KGMI that the city isn’t doing enough.
City Planning and Community Development Director Rick Sepler told the Council’s Monday meeting that they are actively seeking safe places to park for people who are forced to live in their vehicles.