Port of Seattle Declines Nickelsville Request for Extended Stay at Terminal 107

Group must vacate property by September 30th

Port of Seattle officials announced today that the Nickelsville encampment must leave port property by September 30th. A second notice of trespass will be posted at Terminal 107 this week. While port commissioners considered requests for up to an additional 90 days, the port has no authority to provide temporary housing, the shoreline park is an inappropriate location for the encampment, and the camp violates Seattle city code. Port officials reiterated their hope that encampment members and advocates will continue efforts to find an appropriate site for the group, and that they will leave port property voluntarily.

“The port has tried to provide a compassionate response to this situation while also balancing other obligations to the citizens of King County,” said CEO Tay Yoshitani. “We continue to believe that the port can best assist with the difficult problem of homelessness in our community by focusing on our mission to create jobs and economic growth for King County.”

The port has continually maintained that the encampment, which moved onto Terminal 107 without permission on July 23rd, is on port property illegally. The port lacks the authority to donate land, money, or services for housing purposes; and the encampment’s presence also violates City of Seattle land use and shoreline codes.

“Our community must use this time to maximize collective efforts to identify a better location for Nickelsville,” said Commissioner Gael Tarleton. “I will continue to assist legislators and community advocates in meeting this goal so that the public park can be returned to its intended use.”