Resident urges county to consider no‑parking restriction to deter long‑term vehicle occupancy near Pikes Peak Road

Lee Stough addressed the Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners during the public‑comment period to describe a woman who, he said, has been sleeping in a car near the intersection of Pikes Peak Road and Foster Road since October. Stough said he was concerned about safety, trash and the neighborhood effect, and asked the county to consider a no‑parking restriction to deter long‑term vehicle occupancy.

"She's been there consistently since October," Stough said, describing outreach attempts and expressing compassion while noting personal concerns about property values and neighborhood safety. Commissioners and staff confirmed that CARES outreach workers had visited the site; Public Safety/CARES outreach was described as having had contact but limited engagement because the person appeared defensive.

Commissioner Kimbell said the no‑parking ordinance (targeted evening hours rather than a 24‑hour ban) could be an appropriate short‑term response and that the matter would be placed on an upcoming agenda to consider roads to add to the county's parking ordinance. Commissioners noted the limits of county authority and that solutions depend on available shelter options and the individual's circumstances.

No enforcement motion or new ordinance language was adopted at the meeting; staff said they would evaluate the right‑of‑way and options and return with recommendations to the board.