The Yakima City Council next Tuesday is expected to consider an ordinance that would allow people to camp on public property anywhere in the city during the evening hours regardless if beds are available in shelters or not. Joan Davenport, Director of Community Development says they decided not to specifically name city parks in the ordinance but she tells KIT News.
"Without being specific it's any public land. They can only camp there from 9:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. at that time you have to put your camping gear away." Davenport admits it's not an ideal situation and she says the council also has what Davenport called huge reservations about whether or not it's a good solution or not. The encampment on South 3rd Street will close on November 15 when cold weather shelters open in 3 area churches. The city council meets at 6:00 p.m. next Tuesday at Yakima City Hall.

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