Seattle mayor drops plans for second homeless 'safe lot'

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle mayor has dropped plans for a second 'safe lot' for homeless people living in their cars or recreational vehicles. Mayor Ed Murray says the first lot is costing more than projected.

Our news partner The Seattle Times reports the city is developing other plans to help homeless people living in camps. One idea is to start trash collection for the residents of some unauthorized homeless encampments.

In January, the city decided to open safe lots for people living in vehicles parked long-term in Seattle neighborhoods.

A Ballard lot opened last month, but was at capacity with 20 vehicles as of March 15 and is costing the city about $35,000 per month or about $1,750 per vehicle.

The mayor's office estimates another planned lot would cost about the same but only accommodate 10 vehicles.