Sequim women’s support group urges city action after repeated harassment, filth at Seal Street Park

Members of a women’s resiliency group told the Sequim City Council they feel unsafe meeting downtown because people camping at nearby Seal Street Park have repeatedly left personal belongings on store stoops, used the storefronts as toilets and engaged in what speakers described as drug activity and intimidation. "They piled their belongings up on our stoop and when asked to remove their belongings so people could get in and out, they've urinated and pooped on the stoop," said Katie Emerson, who identified herself as a resident and a co-organizer. Annie Marie Hoganboom, who said she is in recovery and a group co-leader, described feeling frightened when as many as eight men congregate and "party" in the park during the evenings while the group meets. "We feel that women, vulnerable women, should have a place in Downtown Sequim," Hoganboom said. Speakers asked the council to post signage banning camping, drug use, smoking and storage of possessions in the park and to increase police patrols to enforce such rules. Council members and staff said they took the concerns seriously. City Manager Matt (surname not provided) said he had not previously seen the complaint packet and asked for a copy; he said he would get the matter to the appropriate staff and return information. Matt (staff) asked for the letter and committed to circulating it to council and to follow up with the police chief when available. Assistant staff and councilors encouraged the speakers to keep calling police when incidents occur so the city can establish records of repeated problems. Sue, the finance director, and other staff reiterated that state law and statute sometimes limit police authority on public property but that the city would pursue remedies within legal constraints. City staff described the sidewalk immediately outside the storefront as private (church property) while the adjoining parking lot is public, which complicates enforcement. Council directed staff to follow up; staff said they would contact the Police Department and other subject-matter experts and return with options for signage, patrols or other measures. The speakers said they will provide a copy of a circulated petition and contact information; staff said they would confirm receipt and report back.