Monday, 2 March, 2011 (view larger)

Members of the Olympia Planning Commission heard public comments about a proposal to create Quixote Village, which would offer more permanent shelter for people suffering with homelessness. In the above photo, Jill Severn starts out the public hearing, just before 7pm. The hearing lasted for about an hour and a half. On a table in front of the Commissioners is a small model of what the village might look like.

The majority of the comments were in favor of the Quixote Village proposal. There were two or three commenters who expressed concern. They were adjacent property owners of the proposed location, which is in the Mottman Indusrial Park, on land that the County (Thurston) has offered to donate. The opposition was based on the possibility that residents might be disturbed by industrial activity, which can take place late into the night. Opposition was also based on the possibility that industrial tenants might not like the village.

Still, most of the comments were in favor. Supportive commenters ranged from members of faith communities, to hosts and residents of the current incarnation of Camp Quixote. Some camp members talked about the importance of Camp Quixote to regaining stability in their lives, despite difficult circumstances, like health emergencies.

The Planning Commission will accept written comments until close of business this Friday, the 6th. Then the Commission will re-convene for deliberation on the proposal on Monday, May 16th.

More details available on Janine's Little Hollywood: Olympia Planning Commission Hears Quixote Village Testimony: "We're Not Helping 'Those People' - We're Helping Each Other...."