This article is available exclusively to subscribers like you.
The city operates two Safe Stay communities in Vancouver — the North Image location at 11400 N.E. 51st Circle and a second at 4915 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. A third community is being considered in downtown Vancouver. The first Safe Stay Community opened in December in North Image; it was built to house up to 40 people experiencing houselessness in 20 modular shelters.
According to the complaint, the city of Vancouver approved Herontide to construct 60 housing units in the North Image neighborhood, including use of Northeast 51st Circle for construction access. Herontide notified the city of its intention to develop the property in February 2020.
“The city contracted with the nonprofit, Outsiders Inn, to create the ‘Safe Stay’ Community directly in the right-of-way,” the complaint reads.
“As an alternative, Herontide II asked to drive across city land adjacent to Northeast 51st Circle along the bypass route to access the Herontide II property,” the complaint continues. “The city declined this request, stating that the use of the unpaved roads by construction vehicles would disturb the 20 tenants of the Safe Stay Community and result in negative environmental impacts.”
The complaint then alleges the city began driving its own large construction vehicles along this bypass route in July.
“This lawsuit is not an issue with the Safe Stay site. It is an issue with the city’s process and their lack of proper communication with neighboring businesses and residents,” Locker said. “Had the city simply listened to our concerns, access to our development site would not have been impeded and this lawsuit could have been avoided. It’s sad that we have to turn to the legal system for help.”
