SPOKANE, Wash. – The owner of a local salon filed a lawsuit against the City of Spokane and Catholic Charities earlier this year, citing a number of complaints including “nuisance properties.”
The Compliant highlights years of interactions between the occupants of Catholic Charities housing buildings and Urbanna owner Linda Biel.
One instance, an armed robbery in 2017.
Another, a shooting, that resulted in several bullet holes in one of Urbanna’s windows.
“Even though those bullets hit our window, they could have hit a person,” Biel said.
Biel emphasized the need for change when it comes to policy around these facilities.
“We need to make changes, and my lawsuit is for change,” Biel said. “We need to get control of these facilities that are attracting crime and that are causing crime.”
NonStop Local reached out to the City of Spokane and Catholic Charities for comments.
The city stated it moved the case to federal court due to several federal claims but did not provide additional comments.
Catholic Charities directed NonStop Local to an August statement:
“Catholic Charities Eastern Washington is aware of the complaint (filed in August). Our agency is disappointed that Urbanna Natural Spa, Salon and Wine feels the poor and vulnerable are a nuisance. This orchestrated legal filing contains several misleading, inaccurate and baseless allegations. We look forward to the opportunity to set the record straight as we rigorously defend all aspects of this claim and as we explore our other legal options. CCEW is proud of its long-standing record of serving our neighbors in need. We know that our apartments and wrap-around services are a true blessing for the low-income men, women, and children who have a safe and supportive place to sleep each night. Rather than being a nuisance, our properties are a life raft for people to escape homelessness. Catholic Charities believes each person deserves the dignity of a home. This litigation does not affect our ongoing commitment to do the hard work many others are either unable or unwilling to do. Most important, our work is a living mission that comes directly from Scripture – to Feed the Hungry, Heal the Hurting and Welcome the Stranger. Catholic Charities’ CEO and President Rob McCann commented, “The facts and Jesus are on our side. Catholic Charities Eastern Washington will not waiver from this work. Love always wins.'”
Biel explained a large part of her lawsuit is holding the city and charities accountable.
“We really need to hold the city and charities as accountable, primarily for all the stuff that they’ve done to everyone,” Biel said.
Despite noticing some improvements under the Safe and Accessible Ordinances, Biel believes the lawsuit remains crucial.
“I hope that it encourages others to speak up too, you know, look to our leaders for accountability and change what’s going on and resolving crime,” Biel said.
Now that a judge has been assigned to their case, Biel’s lawyer said the next steps is to receive the official schedule and start the discovery process.
