Asotin County eyes homeless sleep huts

ASOTIN — A managed sleep center for the unhoused is in the works in Asotin County.

At Monday’s County Commission meeting, Commissioner Chuck Whitman said a not-for-profit organization has been formed to help acquire grant funding and property to establish a center with small sleeping huts for homeless individuals.

A steering committee made up of representatives from Asotin County, the cities of Clarkston and Asotin, Quality Behavioral Health and a Clarkston resident have been working with the Walla Walla Housing Alliance to explore how the model could be used here.

The plan is to build possibly 20 secure huts — without power or water — for sleeping only, Whitman said. A separate building with restrooms and showers would also be on the property, along with 24-hour management.

Because the city of Clarkston is small in size, the sleep center will likely be built in an unincorporated area of the county, Whitman said during his update. The newly formed Asotin County Alliance for the Unhoused is making progress on the project, which will not rely on local taxpayers for funding.

In other housing news, Whitman said the 72 units of affordable apartments planned along Port Drive near Walmart in Clarkston should be headed to construction this summer. Catholic Charities and the Horizon Housing Alliance are spearheading the project, which is expected to be completed in 2025.

A commercial building is planned for 3 acres, and the housing units will be on the adjacent 3 acres, Whitman said. Eight of the units will be designed to meet disability requirements and available on a “first-come, first-serve” basis.

“We’re really looking forward to getting that done,” Whitman said. “There is much need for affordable housing here.”

In other county business:

— Assessor Jenny Rynearson requested an emergency executive session to discuss threats made to her office. Because the issue didn’t fall under contracts, litigation or personnel, the discussion was conducted in open session.

Rynearson told the board that a man has been “stalking and threatening” her staff, and was parked at the Asotin County Courthouse every day last week. He was back on Monday morning, prompting her visit to the commission meeting.

“I was afraid to come to work this morning knowing he was here,” Rynearson said. “He’s really ramping up.”

In addition, her staff members are afraid to walk to their cars and the threats are making them nervous. She has notified police and asked the commissioners for help with the issue, saying it’s a felony to threaten a public servant.

Commissioner Chris Seubert said the board would be talking to the prosecutor about possible remedies.

— Chad Johnson, of Cloverland, said 10 to 11 campers are parked on Harold Jordan’s property near Roberts and Parsons roads. The 3.03 acres isn’t supposed to be a public campground, he said.

“If we don’t get it stopped, it’s going to be a huge headache,” Johnson said.

The issue was referred to Ed Holbert, code enforcement officer, who said he was surprised to hear about the additional campers at the site. He plans to visit the area and inform people about the county’s regulations.

— Jon Mallory, of Asotin, wanted to know why junk vehicles are still parked along Asotin Creek Road in public right of way. He’s complained about the issue many times, and nothing seems to get done.

Holbert said he’s investigated the complaint, and the vehicles in question are legally parked off the roadway.

Commissioner Brian Shinn said he sympathizes with Mallory, but if no laws are being broken, there’s nothing the county can do about the situation.

— A variance permit for Jody Paris at 1110 Boston St., Clarkston, was denied, based on the recommendation of the planning commission.

Paris wanted to place a 2006 mobile home 8 feet from the back property line of the lot. The standard rear setback is 20 feet.

— A conditional-use permit for David Brume Jr. to build commercial storage units at 1527 Maple St., Clarkston, was unanimously approved. The planning commission also gave the project the green light.

Brume needed the permit because the property is located in a residential zone. He owns storage units to the east and plans to expand because of high demand and a waiting list. Brume must meet staff requirements and adhere to setback regulations, officials said.

Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.