Seattle Press on Line - Belcher Postpones Evictions of Lake Union Live-Aboards

Belcher Postpones Evictions of Lake Union Live-Aboards

Jun 15, 2000 -- The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has offered to postpone evictions in Lake Union's nautical neighborhoods until litigation brought by the Live-Aboard Association of Puget Sound is resolved, according to a letter from Michael Grossman, a Washington assistant attorney general.

DNR Director Jennifer Belcher had threatened to evict people who sleep on their legally moored boats in Lake Union marinas.

Belcher said a 1984 state law permits boat owners to rent mooring space on state underwater lands, but prohibits people from spending the night on their boat.

Several families have vacated their boats because of the eviction threat, said State Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-36). Sens. Welles and Pat Thibadeau (D-43) and Rep. Ed Murray (D-43) have asked Belcher to postpone any evictions until the legislature can address the problem in the 2001 session.

"The Commissioner [Belcher] is willing to consider holding these contractual provisions in abeyance for any persons currently using the marina for dedicated residential purposes, provided we can work out a few details with [marina operator] Diamond Parking," wrote Grossman in a letter to the attorney for the Live-Aboard Association.

Reader Comments

Discuss this article in the forums!

No comments yet!