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Residents and VFW press commission on parks: homeless shelter use sparks concerns as VFW seeks park rezoning
Summary
A resident asked the commission to reclaim neighborhood parks from shelter-related encampment and sanitation problems; VFW representatives sought rezoning to expand a veterans memorial park, which commissioners signaled support for on first consideration.
Residents and veterans groups addressed the Leavenworth City Commission on March 24 about local parks: one homeowner urged action to return parks to recreational use amid shelter-related encampments, while VFW representatives sought rezoning to develop a veteran memorial park.
Resident Jenny Wooten (615 North Esplanade) told commissioners that two local parks adjacent to her home have seen benches and shelters used as storage and sleeping spaces by people associated with a nearby homeless shelter. She described an unrepaired sinkhole, infrequently used baseball fields with grass growing through, and recent public-defecation incidents. Wooten said benches recently returned to a park were occupied with personal belongings and asked the commission for a policy to restore parks to recreational use.
Representing veterans, Alan Barnes of VFW Post 56 described a rezoning application (item 12) to build a three-phase veterans park adjacent to the Leavenworth VA, including a brick memorial walkway and amenities open to all veterans. Applicant packet preparer Amanda Pryor offered to answer questions later.
Planning Director Kim Portillo later presented three land-use matters on first consideration: a downzoning at 2121 Spring Garden Street to a lower-density single-family district (recommended 4–0 by Planning Commission); rezoning two Choctaw Street parcels from light industrial to central business to allow VFW expansion (applicant present and supported); and a special use permit to formalize an existing two-family dwelling at 1405 Cherokee Street so it may remain a nonconforming duplex. Commissioners indicated consensus to proceed with first consideration on those items.
Why it matters: The public comment raised neighborhood quality-of-life and safety concerns tied to park use, while the VFW project seeks to expand public memorial space — both issues involve public land use and policy choices the commission can act on in upcoming meetings.
Next steps: Commissioners directed staff to process the first-consideration zoning items and noted follow-up is needed on park maintenance and potential policy responses to encampments. The zoning items will return for subsequent consideration under the usual ordinance schedule.
