exhlbffe - cob.org filepool, lisa a. exhlbffe from: sent: to: subject: lorena havens wednesday,...
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Pool, Lisa A. EXHlBffEFrom:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Lorena Havens <[email protected]>
Wednesday, November 21, 201810:02 AM
Pool, Lisa A.
Winter Haven: a tent encampment for the homeless
Dear Lisa,
I am so grateful that the city has approved Winter Haven, to help Bellingham's large homeless population have a safe
place for this winter.
I hope this will the first of several safe winter sites. I also hope that by the time that Spring comes, there will be longer
term locations available.
Thank you for all the effort that you and the city of Bellingham staff have put into dealing with this issue.
best wishes, Lorena Havens
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Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Katie Stephens <[email protected]>
Wednesday, November 21, 201811:37 PM
Pool, Lisa A.
Homeless encampment comment
I just want to express my full support and appreciation of this project. I'm grateful for the acknowledgement that while
this is not a permanent solution -and resources will continue to be allocated to those long term solutions - getting
people who are unsheltered and hiding in uninhabitable spaces is a worthy and urgent priority. Thank you for supporting
this work and encouraging collaboration to make it happen.
Katie Stephens
3226 McLeod Rd
Bellingham
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Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Brad Howard <[email protected]>
Friday, November 23, 201810:19 PM
Pool, Lisa A.
https://www.cob.org/news/Pages/features/City-received-application-for-temporary-encampment-behind-City-Hall.aspx?fbc!id=lwAROevDekoPAqlqlnpnoscR-
e3CbtozwNGIfwclFKeV8zXysr6e5fZdlod68
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I am writing to object to this proposal in the strongest possible terms.
Best regards,
Brad Howard
I
Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
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Subject:
Ms. Pool,
Adam Ziegler <[email protected]>
Tuesday, November 27, 2018 11:23 AM
Pool, Lisa A.
Re: Temporary Homeless Camp
I have been in receipt of a letter from the city of Bellingham regarding an intent to open temporary homeless
shelter mere steps from my business door. I cannot express strongly enough just how much I disagree with this idea.
Please do not misunderstand me. I recognize that homelessness is a real problem not just in this city but
nationwide, and I fear it is only getting worse as economic disparity grows. I have lived a majority of my childhood at or
below the poverty line and have very close family members that struggle with mental health issues. I have been a foster
parent, and seen the wonderful things that places like Lydia house do. My concern is that this approach will only serve to
exacerbate the problem, and hurt struggling businesses such as my own in the process. A temporary homeless
encampment is a band aid approach to a severe problem.
In the last 7 years I have seen the homeless population grow exponentially in this cute little city of ours. I have
talked with many of them, and the story is usually the same. Some refer to themselves as "travelers" or modern day
gypsies, going wherever the wind takes them. Very few of the individuals experiencing homelessness in our fair city are
actually from our fair city. They come up here because they hear it is a great place to be homeless. Within a 2 block
radius of my business you can find free internet, bathrooms and shelter from the rain. You can find a nice green belt to
create a camp of your own, you can find services such as the lighthouse mission and free food from the First Baptist
Church. There is a large medical facility which takes primarily Medicaid. There are parks and green belts all across the
city, and when you set up camps in these parks, everyone looks the other way. When you panhandle on Railroad
Avenue, everyone looks the other way. All of this combines to make Bellingham a very attractive place to be homeless.
Last week I had a homeless man come into my office. He was walking around looking through the various
offices. Fortunately I bring my dogs to work and they alerted me (my office is upstairs from the waiting room). He
walked right by my office into the conference room. He was not of a clear mind, and the incident scared me. I now leave
my office doors locked, which means I might lose potential walk in business. I frequently have to clean up the boxes,
candy wrappers, urine and feces left in the handicap access ramp next to my front door. I've had altercations countless
times and had to call the police (who really are amazing at their jobs). I watch as obvious bicycle chop shops are being
run just outside my window. I've seen drug deals and drug use. I walk through the ally and smell the urine and crack
smell from behind the large transformers. My employees don't feel safe and neither do 1. I've been robbed at my home,
and my neighborhood is constantly experiencing break-ins. I've already started looking at commercial locations outside
of the city limits, which will be lost revenue on the part of the city.
If Bellingham really wanted to do something to help those experiencing homelessness, a multi-pronged,
complex solution is the only way to handle a complex problem such as this.
1, Mental health funding has been cut dramatically for decades. Police are not medical professionals. While they do a
fantastic job at de-escalation techniques, they should not be encumbered with the constant policing of mentally ill
individuals, nor should these individuals be living on the street, which has been proven to not be conducive to getting
better. St. Joseph"s hospital has a terrible mental health wing, run by a PA, not a Psychiatrist, and designed to street
people as quickly as possible. We need a place where people can receive real mental health services and be somewhere
safe.
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2. Services should be expanded for families and children, but those services do not need to be downtown. In fact, that is
probably the least healthy location for those children. Some semblance of normalcy and routine is imperative here. That
said, you should have to prove you are or were a resident of Bellingham or the surrounding areas to have access to
these services.
3. We need to make camping in our parks illegal. You don't see these encampments on federal land, but increasingly we
see them while walking in Whatcom Falls park, along the boulevard trail, etc. We spend over 300k a year cleaning up
these camps, which serve to protect bicycle thieves and drug users. There should be a zero tolerance policy towards this.
4. The same should g,o for panhandling, which is illegal in many cities. l've offered food to some regulars along railroad and
been refused and given dirty looks for it.
I'm not without heart, and I know how easy it can be to hit a few potholes on the road of life. That said, there is an ever
increasing number of homeless from other cities and states flocking to Bellingham. I'm all for taking care of the
underserved, but we simply cannot afford to do so for everyone in the country. A homeless shelter, especially a
temporary one, will only make the problem worse. We need to attract more technology businesses here, which will help
not just with the homeless problem but with the low employment and wage problems workers here in the city. The way
in which Bellingham has looked the other way at the increasing problem is not only going to keep larger business out of
Bellingham, but it is serving to scare away the small ones like mine!
Sincerely,
Adam Ziegler, M.C.S.E.
CEO
Physicians Software Solutions, Inc.
877-527-2407
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Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Valarie Matinjussi <[email protected]>
Sunday, December 2, 2018 3:21 PM
Pool, Lisa A.; Grp.PL.Planning Mail ([email protected])
NO to HOMES NOW proposed for 210 Lottie Street!
We are saying NO to the proposed location based on these
facts:
One block from the children's entrance to the library.
Two blocks from the Senior Center.
Close to densely populated neighborhoods, children and schools.
Trash is already an existing problem in the surrounding area and overwhelms
the Dept of Parks and Recreation.
Social and Mental Health Services are already inadequate for the population. People wander and yell profanity at all
hours in our neighborhood, this is a current problem.
There are better suited locations that pose NO threat to our children, seniors
and community at large.
Thank You for your attention and careful consideration,
Robert and Valarie Matinjussi
510 Halleck St
Bellingham, WA 98225
206-707-3087
1
Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
MY - [email protected], December 4, 2018 8:49 AM
pool, Lisa A.
FW: Support for Winter Haven temporary emergency tent encampment, healthy food
planning, and immigrant families affected by persecution
letterfroin Rache[ Lucy Screen Shot 2018-11-08 at 6.52.07 PM.png
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From: dena@dayintheparkdesign,com <[email protected]>Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2018 7:39 PM
To: CC - Shared Department <[email protected]>; Barker, April <[email protected]>; Knutson, Gene R. <[email protected]>;
Li[liquist, Michael W. <[email protected]>; Vargas, Pinky T. <[email protected]>; Bornemarin, Terry R.
<[email protected]>; Hammill, Daniel C. <[email protected]>; Stone, Hannah E. <[email protected]>
Cc: MY - [email protected] <[email protected]>Subject: Support for Winter Haven temporary emergency tent encampment, healthy food planning, and immigrant
families affected by persecution
Dear Bellingham City Council:
I am writing to thank COB Planning and any efforts Council Members are making to helpfacilitate the Winter Haven temporary emergency tent encampment for peopleexperiencing homelessness. HomesNOW! has done an excellent job fundraising for thisproject and has been spending countless volunteer hours planning so that it will be safeand successful in helping to prevent injury, death, and unnecessary persecution ofunhoused people during the coming extreme weather months.
I am further calling on Council Members to create a program focused on planning andincentives for healthy, culturally appropriate, and accessible foods for aII City
neighborhoods, especially those with concentrated populations or low/no incomepeoples,
AdditionaIly, I am attaching a copy of the Whatcom County Public Health Advisory Board(PHAB) letter sent by PHAB Chair Rachel Lucy to the Whatcom County Health Board.Whiie the PHAB is seeking Whatcom County Council support, I am calling on theBellingham City Council to a)so be offering their support to immigrant families byfacilitating in whatever ways they can the efforts of the PHAB and Whatcom CountyHealth Board to evaluate and implement actions that will address the needs of thosefamilies affected by the harassment, apprehension, detention, and deportation ofimmigrants who live in our region.
I
Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
MY - [email protected]
Tuesday, December 4, 2018 8:49 AM
Pool, Lisa A.
FW: Support for Winter Haven temporary emergency tent encampment, healthy food
p(anning, and immigrant families affected by persecution
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Follow up
Flagged
From: Sandy Robson <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, November 19, 2018 10:04 AM
To: CC - Shared Department <[email protected]>; Barker, April <[email protected]>; Knutson, Gene R. <[email protected]>;Lilliquist, Michae] W. <[email protected]>; Vargas, Pinky T. <[email protected]>; Bornemann, Terry R.<[email protected]>; Hammill, Daniel C. <[email protected]>; [email protected]: I\/ly - mayorsoffice@cob,org <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Winter Haven temporary emergency tent encampment, healthy food planning, and immigrant
families affected by persecution
Dear Bellingham City'Council:
I wantto voice my support on three issues: Winter Haven temporary emergencytent encampment, healthyfoodplanning, and immigrant families affected by persecution.
I have forwarded below a November 18, 2018 email from Dena Jensen she had sent you all. I think her email statesthings very well, so t want to add my support of all of the points she made.
Thank you for considering my comment.
Regards,
Sandy Robson
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>To: City Council A117 COB <ccmail cob.or >; April Barker <[email protected]>; Gene R. Knutson<qknutsonpcob.orq>; MichaeJ W. Lilliquist <[email protected]>; Pinky T. Vargas<ptmvarqaspcob.orq>; "tbornemannpcob.orq" <tbornemann(a>cob.orq>; Daniel C. Hammill<[email protected]>; Hannah E. Stone <[email protected]>Cc: Mayor Kelli <[email protected]>Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2018 7:39 PM
Subject: Support for Winter Haven temporary emergency tent encampment, healthy food planning, andimmigrant families affected by persecution
1
Dear Bellingham City Council:
I am writing to thank COB Planning and any efforts Counci( Members are
making to help facilitate the Winter Haven temporary emergency tent
encampment For people experiencing homeiessness. HomesNOWl has done
an excellent job fundraising for this project and has been spending countless
volunteer hours planning so that it will be safe and successful in helping to
prevent injury, death, and unnecessary persecution of unhoused people
during the coming extreme weather months.
I
I am further calling on Council Members to create a p'rogram focused on
planning and incentives for heaithy, cu(tural)y appropriate, and accessible
foods for all City neighborhoods, especially those with concentrated
populations of low/no income peoples.
Additionally, l am attaching a copy of the Whatcom County Public Health
Advisory Board (PHAB) letter sent by PHAB Chair Rachel Lucy to the
Whatcom County Health Board. While the PHAB is seeking Whatcom County
Council support, I am calling on the Bellingham City Council to also be
offering their support to immigrant fami(ies by facilitating in whatever ways
they can the efforts of the PHAB and Whatcom County Health Board to
evaluate and implement actions that will address the needs of those families
affected by the harassment, apprehension, detention,'and deportation of
immigrants who live in our region,
Sincereiy,
Dena Jensen
Birch Bay
2
Oclober26, 2018
Wha(oom County Heal(h Board311 Grand AvenueBellingham, WA 98225
DearHealih Btztd flAsm5ap,
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Rachel Lucy, ChairPub1ia Hea11hAdvlsoiy Boatdcfo 509 Glrard Street, Ballingharn, WA9822S
3
Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
CC - Shared Department
Tuesday, December 4, 2018 3:41 PM
Grp.CC; Sepler, Rick M.; Pool, Lisa A.
FW: Winter Haven Tent Encampment
From: Leslie Shankman <[email protected]>Sent: Tuesday, December 4, 2018 12:32 AM
To: CC - Shared Department <[email protected]>Subject: Winter Haven Tent Encampment
Dear Council,
I do not understand why the goal posts have been moved for the Winter Haven Tent Encampment. The members of
HomesNow and many in the community, both individuals and businesses, have stepped up and offered tireless work and
resources of money and time to provide an option to make life a little more manageable and safer for some in our
community for a few short months. Now that already short time window of creating some stability for a group of vettedpeople in need is tightened.
We are talking about people here. How do we let rules and paperwork become more important than people? When itblows mercilessly, pelts rain or the temperatures drop as they are now, my mind always goes to thoughts of the human
beings that are out there literally trying to survive. Some won't.
The equipment is in hand-the fencing, the insurance, the tents, the pallets, etc.-and could be set up within a matter ofdays to offer respite to people who need help and support. From what I have seen HomesNow was given a list ofrequirements to meet and they did.
And yet a pile of paperwork stands in the way of these resources and help reaching those who so urgently need it.
How come Olympia was able to find a way? Can we use Olympia as a model or call lawmakers there to find out how toexpedite the establishment of Winter Haven?
FYI, I extract what most caught my attention from an article by the Olympian Editorial Board on November I 9th.
(Full article copied below and link provided):
Now instead of clearing the downtown camps, the city plans to create two temporary "mitigation sites" -
essentially large, managed camp sites on city-owned parking lots. The first of these will accommodate 80 people,
and open in December. The city will provide fencing, tents, portable toilets, garbage service, a community area,
and two tiny houses at entry points that will be staffed by currently homeless people....
...So even though we cringe at the idea of establishing what is essentially a refugee camp in downtown Olympia, we o// need toswo//ow hard and help out. At the Wednesday meeting, one womon asked how to donate blankets or sleeping bags. The answer
1
from the Homeless Response Coordinator wos "we'll figure that out." He is already working a lot of overtime, and is about to take
on even more.
We can and should hold the city accountable for learning from this experiment in crisis management, and for adjusting and
adapting as problems arise, os they surely will. But we support the city's determination to uphold a legal mandate, and to end the
refrain that wherever homeless people are, they should go somewhere else.
Leslie Shankman
From: https://www.theolympian.com/opinion/editorials/article22l796290.html
Idea of city-run homeless camps make you cringe? They may be the only best option
BY THE OLYMPIAN EDITORIAL BOARD
November 18, 2018 04:00 AM
Updated November 19, 2018 09:09 AM
A federal appeals court ruled recently that arresting people who are homeless for camping on public property is cruel and unusual
punishment when no shelter is available.
"As long as there is no option of sleeping indoors, the government cannot criminalize indigent, homeless people for sleeping
outdoors, on public property, on the false premise they had a choice in the matter," Circuit Court Judge Marsha Berzon wrote.
This is welcome news for homeless people and their advocates, and an immense challenge for Olympia and many other cities.
This ruling came in early September, just as Olympia's city government was preparing to clear several growing camps on public
property downtown, just north of Intercity Transit, under the 4th Avenue bridge, and near the LOTT treatment plant.
Since then, the camps have mushroomed. In August, the city counted 30 tents downtown; now there are over 300. This is an
alarming and perplexing number.
It looks as if the homeless population is exploding. But until the official homeless census is taken next January, we won't really know
how much, or why. (In the last annual census, the number of homele'ss people in Thurston County grew from 534 to 835. The
majority were in shelters; 320 were unsheltered.)
Even before this ruling, city staff were stretched to the limit to responr3 to homelessness. In part with the annual S2.3 million coming
in from the Home Fund levy passed last February, they have been working to:
aexpand local 24/7 shelter capacity,
aopen a 40-person village of temporary tiny houses,
-help local faith communities host more tiny houses, and
-plan to build permanent housing with social service staff for people who need ongoing help and support.
The court's ruling just added another very large to-do item to that already long list of projects.
Now instead of clearing the downtown camps, the city plans to create two temporary "mitigation sites" - essentially large,
managed camp sites on city-owned parking lots. The first of these will accommodate 80 people, and open in December. The city will
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provide fencing, tents, portable toilets, garbage service, a community area, and two tiny houses at entry points that will be staffed
by currently homeless people.
There will be heavy reliance on resident self-governance, but the city's Homeless Response Coordinator will monitor it closely. Local
service organizations will be recruited to help those who want to take steps to get off the street.
At a meeting to present this plan to downtown business owners and nonprofits last Wednesday, there were many questions and
some skepticism, but little outright opposition.
The main issues downtown - for homeless people and everyone else - are safety, sanitation, and neighbor relations. And business
owners seemed to accept the metrics the city is proposing as markers of success, which include fewer needles on the street, less
poop in public places, greater safety, dignity and compassion for people in need, and a potential path out of homelessness.
But that last metric - a path out of homelessness - will be a long, winding, bumpy road that the city can't build by itself. Even with
Home Fund dollars, city government can never match the scale of this growing crisis. And while Mayor Selby urged everyone at the
Wednesday meeting to contact county commissioners, the state, and neighboring cities to recruit their help, even they can get us
only part of the way. What's really needed is a massive increase in federal housing help (wake up Ben Carson !), and a private sector
housing market that responds to the needs of very low-income people.
So even though we cringe at the idea of establishing what is essentially a refugee camp in downtown Olympia, we all need to
swallow hard and help out. At the Wednesday meeting, one woman asked how to donate blankets or sleeping bags. The answer
from the Homeless Response Coordinator was "we"ll figure that out." He is already working a lot of overtime, and is about to take on
even more.
We can and should hold the city accountable for learning from this experiment in crisis management, and for adjusting and adapting
as problems arise, as they surely will. But we support the city's determination to uphold a legal mandate, and to end the refrain that
wherever homeless people are, they should go somewhere else.
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Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
CC - Shared Department
Tuesday, December 4, 2018 3:42 PM
Grp.CC; Sepler, Rick M.; Pool, Lisa A.
FW: Winter Haven urgency...
From: Mike New <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 4, 2018 7:47 AM
To: CC - Shared Department <[email protected]>
Subject: Winter Haven urgency...
December 4, 2018
To the Bellingham City Council:
I am writing to you in support of the Winter Haven homeless project. I recently learned about it, got involved, and have
donated substantial money and time to the project.
I understand the Council has voted in support of this effort, and that we are now grinding through the process of making
sure everything is in order. I am asking for you to take a risk and commit now.
The cold weather is very publicly adding urgency to your decision. The freezing temperatures are creating an acute
human emergency that gives you permission - if not the duty - to approve this project right now. You can wait longer,
although you may face some tough questions. Please say yes now; everyone wins.
Keep in mind what makes Winter Haven different:
1. It is a fully-managed project with onsite staff 24x7, full fencing and security cameras.
2. Residents must apply, are pre-screened, and must agree in writing to the rules
3. Drug and alcohol use is forbidden.
4. Garbage containers, toilets, and handwashing stations are onsite.
5. Heat, food, shelter and bedding are provided.
6. Everything is ready to go. It can be up and running in 10 days.
7. It costs the city almost nothing. Winter Haven is fully funded by private citizens like me.
In short, Winter Haven solves a very immediate problem and eliminates "encampment" issues like used needles,
garbage and poop. All this, with the larger goal of helping people return to self-sufficiency.
Please take a moment to recall why you ran for your Council seat. I'm guessing it was because you wanted to make
Bellingham a better place - and perhaps because you were appalled that your opponents seemed to be more concerned
with covering their behinds that getting something done.
Here's your chance to make Bellingham a better place. Remember how cold it was this morning when you scraped the
ice off your windshield? Please help some people today.
Thanks for listening.
Mike New
(Born here, care about it)
2721 West Crestline Drive
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Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
MY - [email protected]
Tuesday, December 4, 20181:40 PM
Pool, Lisa A.
FW: Winter Haven
Hi Lisa,
Please see email below. Do you have information that I can share with Ms. Leathers about the legal process in
response?
Liz Coogan
Executive Assistant to the Mayor
City of Bellingham
360-778-8100
* My incoming and outgoing email messages are subject to public disclosure requirements per RCW 42.56
-----Original Message-----
From: Kathy Leathers <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 4, 2018 1:15 PM
To: MY - [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Winter Haven
Dear Kelly,
My understanding was that this was an emergency encampment to save lives. If this is true, as it should be, then WHY
will it take as long as Dec.l8 and possibly longer to have this up and going? It is below freezing at night now.
PLEASE, wave the permit process and let HomeNow open up a safe shelter, NOW.
The library, Drop-In center, and Mission cannot do it by themselves. PLEASE!
Sincerely,
Kathy Leathers
Sent from my iPhone
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Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
MY - [email protected]
Tciesday, December 4, 2018 8;23 AM
Pool, Lisa A.
FW: Homeless Tent Encampment
Follow up
Flagged
Hi Lisa,
Would you like me to forward emails like the one below to you to be part of the public comment record on this issue?
Liz Coogan
Executive Assistant to the Mayor
City of Bellingham
360-778-8100
* My Incoming and outgoing email messages are subject to publlc disclosure requirements per RCW 42.56
From: Lisa E. Papp <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, December 3, 2018 9:46 PM
To: MY - [email protected] <[email protected]>; Barker, April <[email protected]>; Bornemann, Terry R.
<[email protected]>; Stone, Hannah E. <[email protected]>; Hammill, Daniel C. <[email protected]>; Knutson,Gene R. <[email protected]>; Lilliquist, Michael W. <[email protected]>; Vargas, PinkyT. <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]: Homeless Tent Encampment
Dear Mayor Linvilte and City Council Members,
I am writing to ask you to please do what you can to move ahead as soon as possible with the homeless tent
encampment proposed for the City Hall parking lot. I understand there is a process to complete regarding the permit
but, while this is continuing, temperatures are dropping below freezing in Whatcom County.
The Homes Now-run tent encampment is one part of the solution to help homeless people in our area. Necessary fundshave been raised and supplies procured. Volunteers are ready to move forward.
I urge you to help move this project forward as soon as possible so we do not have people freezing to death on
Bellingham streets this December.
Thank you,
Lisa Papp
2728 Xenia St.
Bellingham, WA 98226
Lisa E. Papp
Independent So)ar Advisor
(206) 335-1278 direct / mobileSolarisPractical.com
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$O down solarpoweilorhomeowners in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, & Australia
p.o. Box 29017, Bellingham, Washington 98228-4017
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Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Please see email below.
Liz Coogan
Executive ASsistant to the Mayor
City of Bellingham
360-778-8100
Coogan, Liz J.
Wednesday, December 5, 20181:20 PM
Sepler, Rick M.; Pool, Lisa A.; Heinrich, Brian M.
FW: Winterhaven
" My incoming and outgoing email messages are subject to public disclosure requirements per RCW 42.56
From: Amy Glasser <[email protected]>Sent: Wednesday, December 5, 2018 12:57 PM
To: Barker, April <[email protected]>; [email protected]; Knutson, Gene R. <[email protected]>; Bornemann, Terry R.
<[email protected]>; Lilliquist, Michael W. <[email protected]>; Linville, Kelli J. <[email protected]>; Stone,
Hannah E. <[email protected]>; Pinky Varg,as <[email protected]>Subject: Winterhaven
Dear City Council
Regarding: Winterhaven
We thanked you for approving Winterhaven as it is already freezing outside. It was in the the 20's last night.We now hear that the public comment period and time for review and appeals will take almost another month andnow you are requiring that the intake/security office is an RV on wheels.
You all signed an Emergency Ordinance. In other counties, emergency is treated as the emergency it is. A State of
Emergency means there is no time for public comments, land use reviews, appeals or complaints as long as theordinances are followed.Mayor Linville: Do the right thing right now and treat this crisis as it is: an emergency.
If anyone dies before this option becomes available to those living in the woods, it will be on the city. We have
fought for our unhoused friends, family, co-workers and students for 48 months and this really is the least you can
do. Just do it. Please.On behalf of those without a voice,Amy Glasser
[Virus-free. www:avast.com
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Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sepler, Rick M.
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 8:05 AM
Pool, Lisa A.
FW: Winter Haven and Emergency Cold Weather Shelters
FYI
-----Original Message-----
From: CC - Shared Department <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2018 3:36 PM
To: Grp.CC <[email protected]>; Sepler, Rick M. <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Winter Haven and Emergency Cold Weather Shelters
-----Original Message-----
From: Dana L Briggs <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 3, 2018 9:49 PM
To: CC - Shared Department <[email protected]>
Subject: Winter Haven and Emergency Cold Weather Shelters
Good morning,
My understanding is that the earliest "non-risk" start date for Winter Haven is now Jan 2. Given roughly ten days to build
the infrastructure pushes housing ANY homeless people to Jan 12, approximately a MONTH later than anticipated.
In the meantime, the authorized emergency cold weather shelter is only for women and the capacity at both Fountain
Community/Bellingham Public Library will be 50 and very probably not adequate in numbers.
If there is or will be an emergency for women, WHY is there not one for men?
Lastly, given the nightly temperatures tonight, forecast this week and likely in the next few months, you and the public
need to have immediate notification of any homeless person who dies from exposure.
I suggest YOU have an URGENT number of issues to address NOW, not later.
r anticipate an immediate reSpOnSe On your part and a further clarification by you of the circumstances if my
understanding is not correct.
Dana
Sent from my iPhone
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Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
CC - Shared Department
Thursday, December 6, 2018 8:49 AM
Grp.CC; Sepler, Rick M.; Pool, Lisa A.
FW: Winter Haven Tent Encampment
From: Kelly Bachman <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 5, 2018 4:32 PM
To: CC - Shared Department <[email protected]>
Subject: Winter Haven Tent Encampment
Honorable City Council Members,
You have super powers and now is the time to use them ! Use them to:
1) Eliminate the appeals process for this temporary project and
2) Discontinue sweeps unless there is evidence ofillegal activity (other than being homeless.)
You have declared a state of emergency regarding homelessness. The Winter Haven tent encampment is ready to
go. It's a temporary solution. It's really cold outside. This is truly a life and death situation. Public comments are 95%
favorable for Winter Haven. Red or blue, your constituents agree that they don't want to see homeless people sleeping
in doorways. Get it done before the dead of winter on December 21.
Thank-you,
Kelly Bachman, CPA
2654 Donovan Ave
Bellingham, WA 98225
360 202 3761
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Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
MY - [email protected]
Thursday, December 6, 2018 8:19 AM
Pool, Lisa A.; Sepler, Rick M.; Heinrich, Brian M.
FW: Emergency Shelter
From: Helen McLeod <[email protected]>Sent: Wednesday, December 5, 2018 5:45 PM
To: MY - [email protected] <[email protected]>; Barker, April <[email protected]>; Vargas, Pinky T.
<[email protected]>; Lilliquist, Michael W. <[email protected]>; [email protected]; Bornemann, Terry R.
<[email protected]>; Hammill, Daniel C. <[email protected]>Subject: Emergency Shelter
Attention Madam Mayor and City counsel,
Please, get off your duff and permit the emergency encampment. It is critical to provide shelter
now during these cold months.
Helen McLeod
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Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
MY - [email protected]
Friday, December 7, 2018 2:04 PM
Pool, Lisa A.
FW: Letter of opposition for temporary use of city parking lot space
Homeless shelter 1206201 8.docx
From: Marie Matteson <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, December 7, 2018 1:39 PM
To: MY - [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Letter of opposition for temporary use of city parking lot space
Madam Mayor please find attached my letter in opposition to the current proposal of using the parking lot
across from our offices to use a temporary shelter
for Homeless and Hoes Now.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Respectfully,
Marie T. Matteson, MS LMT CHt
Nationa( Board Certified Massage Therapist and Counselor
414 Girard Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
360.815.7180
Helping people of all ages achieve a higher quality of lifehttp:/ /MattewnCommunications. Com
https:/ /www.ncbcertified. com/mariematteson
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1
City of Bellingham
Mayor's Office; Planning and Community Development;
Doug Erickson State of Washington Representative
Dear Elected Officials,
I would like to take this opportunity to address why a temporary Permit for Homes Now a
Temporary Homeless Shelter in the City Hall Parking lot property should be denied. While I
understand the city's need / efforts to find solutions to help those who are homeless, I strongly
believe that the above location are not wise choices and would result in serious long-term
negative consequences for the people who work, live and go to public schools in the immediate
vicinity. There would also be significant collateral regions / neighborhoods negatively impacted
by this decision as well.
As a small business owner, I chose to rent space at 414 Girard, within Peeples Physical Therapy
Clinic, on the corner of A and Girard Streets. I have come to know the neighborhood and the
struggles of this location, one being the parking problem for local individuals in regards to
businesses, downtown employees and the local homeowners. Your proposed sites would add
an extreme strain and potentially 25 to 50 automobiles on an already problematic situation
without regard to the long-term effects for the local neighborhood.
Another problem is a transient homeless population that already exists in this location with
individuals sleeping around our building and neighboring structures on a regular basis creating
the collateral personal debris ranging from the usual garbage to drug paraphernalia and human
waste. They may use the portable bathroom and dumpster placed on the corner of young and
Girard, but they do not make an effort on a regular basis, as I continue to find debris, and drug
paraphernalia in the block surrounding my place of work.
Of further concern... What process i.e. entrance and exit, accountability system will be in place
to ensure it is the approved residents that is allowed in? What legally binding documents will
the city require signed so that there is a release of liability from Homes Now and the
homeless/transients/ tenants who may lay future claims of injury or other lawsuits against the
city while they reside on the city owned property?
Who ensures that there is a current board of director from Homes Now to be present at ALL
times?
On social media, Showers Now, has stated that they plan to bus In homeless people to use the
shower facilities that they plan to provide on the city hall site. How is that oi other situations
preventable? Those individuals who are not approved to reside in the temporary camp will
loiter and Ly in the neighborhood. Clients who have appointments for healthcare are unwilling
to do so because of the nuisance the city has invited.
RCW9.66.010
Public nuisance.
A public nuisance is a crime against the order and economy of the state. Every place
(1) Wherein any fighting between people or animals or birds shall be conducted; or,
(2) Wherein any intoxicating liquors r:ire kept for unlawful use, sale or distribution; or,
(3) Where vagrants resort; and
Every act unlawfully done and every omission to perform a duty, which act or omission
(1 )Shall annoy, injure or endanger the safety, health, comfort, or repose of any considerable
number of persons; or,
(2) Shall offend public decency; or,
(3) Shall unlawftdly interfere with, befoul, obstruct, or tend to obstruct, or render dangerous for
passage, a lake, navigable river, bay, stream, canal or basin, or a public park, square, street,
alley, highway, or municipal transit vehicle or station; or,
(4) Shall in any way render a considerable number of persons insecure in life or the use of
property; Shall be a pubjic nuisance.
/ 1994 c 45 Fy 3; 1971 ex.s. c 280 fi 22; 1909 c 249 § 248; 1895 c 14 fi 1; Code 1881 fi 1246; RRS fi
2500.1
RCW9.66.030
Maintaining or permitting nuisance.
Every person who shall commit or maintain a public nuisance, for which no special punishment
is prescribed; or who shall wilfully omit or refuse to perform any legal duty relating to the
removal of such nuisance; and every person who shall let, or permit to be used, any building or
boat, or portion thereof, knowing that it is intended to be, or is being used, for committing or
maintaining any such nuisance, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Does the economy of the local businesses not matter to the city of Bellingham?
Your proposal of adding 40 additional transient individuals to the immediate location will
exponentially expand this problem to the outlying areas ultimately affecting the local
businesses, the four schools (Whatcom Middle School, Bellingham High School, Options high
school and Assumption Catholic school) and the lettered Street Community. This decision
places are school-age children at extreme risk to exposure of potentially harmful debris, it will
only take one accidental exposure to needles or paraphernalia to make this a poor decision on
your part. The senior center, just one 51ock from your proposed site seems to be left
Finally, by your own design of wanting things in close proximity and walking distance to the
lighthouse Mission you are creating a migration path through the neighborhoods which will
result in similar problems being seen in the surrounding neighborhoods that many of the local
middle and high school age kids use to get to and from their homes. Why not permit the
Lighthouse Mission to use their adjacent parking lot?
Again homelessness is a very complicated problem in our community but, we must also
understand that there are many situations that result in homelessness from misfortune, mental
health issues and addiction. However the solution is different for each of these situations with
the only common denominator being individuals without a shelter. Placing these individuals
together without regard for why they are homeless is irresponsible and set up for failure from
the beginning.
If we, as a community truly want to help these individuals then it's time to look outside the box
and open our minds to other possible solutions. Has the committee, considered allowing a
permitted place in the county, on the WTA bus line for tiny houses, with a larger facility to
address the complicated issues and plan of care, or other incentive exchange for residents. One
place with outreach offices in one location, with all services cooperating in order to efficiently
provide services within the building along with triaging individuals staying within the shelter for
the appropriate services needed. Also the committee could look at supplying individuals who
find themselves homeless with a free WTA bus pass so that the issue of sight location within the
10 minute walking distance of the mission would not be an issue. At the end of the day, each
individual is an adult and have the ability to utilize such Transit, we can't coddle this population
we need to help direct them. Many of the individuals have learned to be helpless in order to
receive service paid for by tax payers and businesses such as myself.
Thank you for your time and consideration in reading this letter asking for the removal from
consideration the site for locations for the proposed low-barrier shelter due to the concerns of
the immediate businesses, residents and community for the safety of our young people.
Respectfully,
MourkT Motae MS
Marie T. Matteson MS LMT CHT
414 Girard Street
Bellingham WA 98229
Pool, Lisa A.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Enid Wilson <[email protected]>
Friday, December 7, 201810:12 AM
Pool, Lisa A.
Homes Now! Tent city at City Hall
Hello Ms. Pool. I recently received a letter in the mail detailing the plans for the proposed temporary tent encampment
at the City Hall parking lot. I'm glad it sounds like there will be some support staff and supervision, but I am concerned
about a concentration of people that are possibly experiencing addiction, mental illness, and desperation of poverty
which may lead to more crime all in one area so close to residential neighborhoods and a middle school, high school and
pre-school. I'm concerned there won't be enough support staff present and ready to help with all the individual's needs
and there will be a rise in problems in the direct area. My family (two sons and husband) and myself live off the corner
of Young and Halleck, so we will be just 1 block away from the site. Please add me to the list of people who are
concerned about the tent encampment being located at City Hall.
Thanks,
Enid Wilson
E NlD WI LS O N ST U DI0
w w w. e ni d wil s o n s t u di o. c o m
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. a a 01 ,'a " %* i,, *
WHAT € OM LAND TRUSTProtecting the Nature of Whatcom County
412 N Commercial * Bellingham, WA 98225
P.O Box 6131 * Bellingham, WA 98227
Phone (360) 650-9470
Lisa Pool, Senior Planner
City of Bellingham
Planning & Community Development Department
210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 9825 December 7, 2018
RE: Request to operate temporary encampment "Winter Haven"
USE2018-0023 & SEP2018-0054
By Electronic Submission to lapool(i,cob.org
Lisa,
The office of the Whatcom Land Tnist (Land Trust) is located at 412 North Commercial Street,
immediately adjacent to the Mayor's Office and the proposed temporary tent encampment to be
located in the western portion of the parking lot at City Hall, 210 Lottie Street.
Before I begin comments, the Land Trust wants to be clear that we support the City's efforts to
address the growing homeless issue in the City and throughout Whatcom County. It is our
intention to assist and partner in finding solutions to this issue and our comments are provided in
order to support the plaru'iing for and management of tlus encampment should it be approved.
However, as Executive Director, my primary issue is safety for my employees, volunteers, and
visitors to our office and protecting the long-term investment we have made with our nonprofit
by purchasing orir property on North Commercial.
In many ways this temporary winter shelter may provide sliort-term solutions for a number of
ongoing issues with homelessness that are affecting local residences, business offices, and tliose
public areas owned by the City (Whatcom Falls Park). We hope this may be the case as the Land
Trust office has been affected by a growing and increasing number of situations, and we have
been in constant contact with the City and City of Bellingl'iam Police Department with each of
those over the past year. Tlie Land Tnist has experienced a growing issue with trash, damage and
personal affects left on our property, trespass, one confrontation with a staff member, a break-in
(not proven to be related to tlie homeless issue), and last week I began a winter policy of closing
our office at 5 p.m. to assure the safety of my staff members.
As I understand the proposed application, this encampment will be limited to 40 people, well
monitored and patrolled. And the increased police presence, lighting and fencing provides good
assurance that those within this area will not create added concenis for local businesses or the
priblic, However, my limited knowledge (from talking with City and police representatives)
indicates tliat the tl'ireat most often comes not from those witl'iin the encampment, but from
outside and especially those who are predatory on other homeless people seeking a more
pen'nanent solution and working to get off the streets. Not called out in the notice, tut discussed
witli City staff is the intent to create a 100-foot buffer around the encampment. This buffer is
inadeqriate for providing safe space surrounding the encampment, and would potentially push
predatory individuals directly onto orir property and other local businesses, and into 'l7V'hatcom
Falls Park. It worild exacerbate the issues regarding safety in the park, and especially along both
sides of the creek behind City Hall, the Land Tnist, and our neiglibors, where homeless
encampments are well established and growing.
We have two alternative recoinmendations that may lielp the City as well as nearby residents and
businesses:
1. For the limited 90-day pennit, expand tl'ie proposed buffer zone to include neighboring
residences and offices, and to encompass both sides of Whatcom Creek both upstream
and downstream of City Hall. Tliis expansion would provide multiple benefits:
* Further restricting outside interference with those in the encampment
* Pushing potential predators away from this area
* Protecting nearby residences and offices
* Assuring tliat the temporary encampment does not result in a greatly increased homeless
use in Whatcom Falls Park
* Protecting public access to City park properties and increasing public confidence in the
rise of this park
2. For the duration of the 90-day permit, have the buffer include the small park next to the
Land Tnist office and next to the park, and discontinue locating a port-o-let and trash bin
at this location. Again this would offset the potential of the encampment to spread
oritside its borindaries and create an even great homeless presence in the park. It would
also greatly reduce the cunent level of trash in this area.
We hope these comments are helpful. Please contact me directly in you have qriestions or would
like additional infornnation or comments.
Sincerely,
/72ARichard J. Bowers
Executive Director
The Mission of the J'natcom Land Trust is to preserve and protect wildlife habitat, scenic,
agricrdtural and open space lands in atcom County for fitture generations bysecuring interests in land and promoting land stewardship.
a
ADELSTEIN, SHARPE & SERKA LLPq A ar r o rt N E Y S /l T L A w 8
December 7, 2018
City of Bellingham
Director of Planning and Community Development
210 Lottie Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Re: USE2108-0023 and SEP2018-0054
STEVEN P. ADELSTEIN
PHILIP E. SHARPE, JR.
PHILTP A. SERKA
JEFFREY P. FAIRCHILD
MITCHELL G. FAEIEFI
IVAN M. STONER
IAN MCCUFIDY
JAMES T. HLILBERT
I write to comment about the application of Homes Nowl to operate a temporary
encampment in the parking lot of City Hall to provide daily services and overnight shelter
for individuals experiencing homelessness,
Our offices are located across the street from City Hall within a few hundred yards of the
proposedencampment. Iwritetoexpressourconcernaboutthepublicsafetyissueswhich
this proposal will create for those of us who own and operate businesses within the
immediate vicinity of the encampment.
As you well know, the area surrounding our office has been inhabited by the homeless,
We have had people camping along the creek behind our office, sieeping in the planting
area between the north side of our office building and the adjoining parking lot and
underneath the overhang to the main entrance to our building. Our rear parking lot has
been inundated with shopping carts, debris and the betongings of those who camp in this
neighborhood. It is not unusual to come to the office early in the morning and find
dispensedsyringes,halfeatenfoodand,garbagestrewnabouttheparkinglot. Ourbuilding.
has been vandalized on multiple occasions costing many thousandsor dollars to repair.
Our grounds have been set on fire and we have been forced to shut off our outside supply
of water and electricity. Our parkinglot has been used as bicycle "chop shop" continuous(y
over the past few years,
of great concern to us is the safety of our staff. Our office is open between 7:30 in the
morning and 5:00 in the evening with staff members coming and gong in the dark during
the winter, They are often confronted by folks sleeping in and around our office building
and fear for their safety both coming and going.
400NORTHCOMMERCIALgTFIEffT N P.0.E10X5188 ffl BELLiNGHAM.WASHlNGTON98227-515EI
TELEPHONE: (360) 6716565 ffl FAX: (360) 647-8148 l'l W)BSITE: IAIWV/.ADELSTEIN.COlit
BUS1NE5>S LITIGATION REAL E!3TATE PERSONAL INJURY
City of Bellingham
Director of Planning and Community Development
December 7, 2018
Page 2
The problem with the proposed encampment will not be experienced within the chain-link
fence around the perimeter of the site, but rather, in the areas adjacent thereto. It will
become a magnet for predators who want to prey on those in the encampment and those
in and around it, including those seeking to make use of City Hall and our office. We have
every expectation that the experience with the Lighthouse Mission's drop in center on
Holly Street will be replicated in the vicinity of our office and City Hall if the encampment
is permitted,
We believe that a condition should be imposed which would require immediate revocation
of the permitfor the encampment in the event ofa measurable increase in crime anywhere
within a radius of 1,000 yards of the encampment, We a!so think that the City needs to
devote the resources necessary to have the Bellingham Police Department monitor
activities within this radius through an around-the-clock foot patrol with the ability to
maintain order, ensure adequate law enforcement and protect public safety.
Finally, we would like to express our displeasure with the City's decision'to pursue this
activity without an opportunity for the public to be heard in an open forum.
Thank you for your consideration.
Very truly yours,
-r,ii,aPhiltp E. Sharpe, Jr.
PES/mmShaipa &Ezika lll'l €onaipondenoe%W31X.Oocx