Judge refuses to stop eviction of Nickelsville

SEATTLE – A judge on Thursday refused to block the eviction of Nickelsville, a Seattle homeless encampment named for Mayor Greg Nickels, and some residents were preparing to be arrested when it is removed.

An air of resignation prevailed Thursday as occupants packed their personal effects, folded tents and broke down the wooden pallets on which the tents were mounted after U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez announced his decision. Three 24-foot trucks were rented by supporters to haul away personal belongings.

Peggy Hotes, a liaison between the self-governing encampment and its principal sponsor, Veterans for Peace Greater Seattle, Chapter 22, said an unknown number of residents were ready to be arrested peaceably, while others planned to leave before state troopers arrive.

“Not everyone is up for being arrested, for various reasons, and we don’t expect everyone to be arrested,” she said.

Residents said they were concerned about losing their possessions in the event of a raid, but many were reluctant to take down their tents before learning they might spend one more night at the site.

Richard Gilbert, who has lived in Nickelsville since it was established in September, wore a white, custom-lettered T-shirt with the words “Nickelsville” and “God’s land God’s property.” James Greer fixed fried chicken and french fries for the group in a communal kitchen.

Martinez let stand a deadline of 7 p.m. Thursday for the approximately 70 homeless residents to leave an undeveloped south-end lot owned by the state Department of Transportation, but DOT Secretary Paula Hammond said the Washington State Patrol would not be dispatched to clear the site before sometime this morning.

Leaders of the Church Council of Greater Seattle have agreed to help find a new home for Nickelsville, Hammond said.