Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi says it’s time to demand accountability, enforcement, and an end to policies that sacrifice neighborhoods under the guise of compassion
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
For over eight years, a growing encampment near the Share House in Vancouver has taken over city streets and sidewalks. Individuals have erected tents directly in public rights-of-way, while the City of Vancouver has responded not by restoring public order, but by enabling this takeover—placing outhouses and dumpsters in the street and allowing these conditions to persist without obtaining required Street Use Permits.
Link to Photos 8 years of Street Takeover: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mTaZHtwTCbzkrm8q7
The consequences have been severe. This unauthorized encampment has become a magnet for crime, open drug use, and constant calls for police, fire, and medical services. It endangers drivers, with no signage or warnings, and blocks sidewalks—making it impossible for those with disabilities to navigate the area safely. Homeowners and businesses suffer the daily impacts. This is not compassion; this is neglect.
Where policies are permissive, the problems grow — and our mayor has created exactly that kind of environment. Instead of enforcing existing laws, the city has gone so far as to set up a parallel legal system for prosecuting offenses by unhoused individuals — giving preferential treatment that encourages lawbreaking, environmental degradation, and public disorder.
This isn’t just bad policy — it’s a dereliction of duty. Our mayor refuses to acknowledge her role in fostering this crisis, but the results are plain to see: chaos, destruction, and lost livability for law-abiding residents.
It’s time to demand accountability, enforcement, and an end to policies that sacrifice neighborhoods under the guise of compassion.
Peter Bracchi
Vancouver
- Opinion: Why lawmakers are going after your pension
Ryan Frost argues lawmakers included public pensions in the income tax law in preparation for lowering the $1 million deduction. - Opinion: Washington has an income tax – why won’t the media call it one?
Cargill argues the media is using supporters’ preferred label “millionaires tax” instead of the legally accurate term “income tax.” - POLL: How do you think higher impact fees for school districts affect housing affordability in Clark County?
Clark County Council raised impact fees for La Center, Hockinson, and Woodland school districts, drawing pushback from the Building Industry Association. - Opinion: Impaired walking vs. impaired driving; pick neither
Doug Dahl argues impaired driving remains deadlier than walking impaired when measured by exposure time, not miles traveled. - Opinion: When the same money helps fund the program and the story
Peter Bracchi examines how the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund supports Vancouver’s HART program, the Bridge Shelter, and Community Funded Journalism covering the same policy arena.