Resiliency Village

To the Editor: Tuolumne County officials don't appear to have any functional plan for addressing our homeless problems. Supervisors rely on nonprofits to carry the load. Countless fires have been started in the homeless encampments. Camp Hope was allowed by the county to grow and prosper on private property without serious code enforcement. Funding arrangements for site clean up are still vague.

The Washington Fire is a wakeup call for everyone living in this county. The explanations we were given regarding the origin of the Washington Fire do not indicate it started at the homeless encampments. However, it's timely to revisit a discussion regarding Resiliency Village and fire danger.

Representatives of “RV” have publicly stated their intention is to place homeless individuals in travel trailers and sheds (tiny houses) installed on site. Building codes and inspections must be enforced and followed. Mark Dyken, a director of “RV,” stated at a recorded public meeting July 21 “we don't need any permits.” That statement does not seem to be correct. If it were, anyone owning property with the zoning designation starting with “A” could place any number of travel trailers and sheds on your property, property for human habitation “no permits required.” “RV'S” location, like Camp Hope is private property, and not code exempt. Tuolumne County ordinance codes regarding building, fire and health laws are for the protection of all county residents, including the homeless. Everyone has to comply, including nonprofit organizations. No exceptions. Enforcement responsibility lies with the county building and planning officials.

Karen Kress

Columbia