Homelessness

City of Olympia plans phased uses for Franz-Anderson Road land

Posted

At its first meeting for 2022, on Tue., Jan 4, the Olympia City Council briefly discussed the proposed purchase of the Franz-Anderson Road property.

Assistant City Manager Keith Stahley shared that the city plans to temporarily use the site as a safe parking facility for unhoused individuals. “This will be the first safe parking facility in the county,” Stahley said.

Eventually, he shared that the city’s long-term goal is to build permanent supportive housing. “It is our intention of acquiring this property not to build and construct an RV parking area but to build a supportive housing facility,” Stahley clarified.

While several residents expressed their concerns regarding the proposal, the assistant city manager assured the public that the site would be managed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The site will be monitored by onsite professional case management and site management team.  He also noted that concerned parties will be given ample time to provide their input in the decision-making process.

The Franz-Anderson Road property is divided into three lots and spans a total of 5.88 acres. The purchase price is approximately $1.8 million. In addition, the city will also work with Thurston County for the acquisition and management of the property.

Once approved, Stahley explained that the city council will have to review some environmental considerations, especially since a portion of the property is wetlands.

Late last year, the council approved a resolution that would allow the city to initiate a process to acquire the property.

Comments

1 comment on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • JW

    Endless money spent with nothing to show for it except further growth of the problem. If the City of Olympia cared for its employees and residents half as much as criminal transients this place would be great to live.

    Thursday, January 6, 2022 Report this