Hearing Examiner To Decide On Permanent Shelter Proposal

Officials with Transform Yakima Together say they're hoping to work with area property owners if they're allowed to operate a permanent homeless shelter at a building on Englewood Avenue. Director Andy Ferguson says they're determined to keep the area safe through an upcoming neighborhood meeting and neighborhood patrols. "We're determined to find a solution. As our name says we want to transform Yakima together."
Ferguson says it's his intention to meet and speak with nearby property owners like Steven Clark the owner of nearby All Weather Storage. His business is already being impacted. "We witness people coming out of Camp Hope and smoke drugs. They'll walk out of site and do drug deals."
The Yakima Hearing Examiner is expected to rule within the next week on whether or not the winter shelter can be turned into a permanent shelter. That decision could then be appealed to the Yakima City Council.