VIOLATION OF GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT
KING COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS IGNORING LAWS THAT REQUIRE PROPER PUBLIC PROCESS. ​ On April 4th 2024, King County Council members Teresa...
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Who We Are
Good Neighbor Vashon is a non-profit formed by Island residents concerned about King County Councilmembers' proposed new zoning that will have a detrimental high impact on the island. For instance, legalizing car camping in Vashon Rural Town and neighborhood business zones and radically expanding the zoning for drug rehab or psychiatric hospitals in any Unincorporated King County neighborhood with certain acreage.
Good Neighbor Vashon cares deeply about people who need treatment, but this remote and under-resourced island is, according to multiple experts, an unsafe facility site for vulnerable population of people struggling with addiction recovery. For example, by design, not one Betty Ford Center is sited more than 8 minutes from a full hospital.
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There are more sensible sites that are both safer for patients and avoid the negative consequences of being sited on an island that already lacks adequate infrastructure (transportation, housing, fire and police protection, water and other limited resources).
Under the Growth Management Act the County was required to inform the people of any zoning changes, give 30 days notice and host a public forum. None of this was done for Vashon. Our efforts to obtain information, clarification or confirmation have left us feeling stonewalled, gaslighted and misled.
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The recourse left us is to speak out through our petition, your letters to the King County Council and the actions of our land use attorneys Bricklin and Newman.
Vashon, NOW is the time for you to act.
1. Sign the Petition
2. Write to the Council
3. Donate to our legal fee fund
PLEASE PAY ATTENTION
NEW ZONING COULD BE ALLOWED IN YOUR
RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD:
Drug Rehab Hospitals
Psychiatric Hospitals
Homeless Car Camping (and recreational)
No Conditions Cottage Housing
Manufactured homes -12 units per acre
Drug Stores
Lot Splitting
Drug Rehab Outpatient
Micro Shelter Village
Department And Variety Stores
New Rural Neighborhood Commercial Centers
Mixed-Use Development In Rural Neighborhoods
Department And Variety Stores
New Rural Neighborhood Commercial Centers
Mixed-Use Development In Rural Neighborhoods
And more…
The facts about
Thunderbird on Vashon.
NOT A DONE DEAL.
SIHB Cannot Get a Permit.
As currently zoned, Seattle Indian Health Board cannot get a permit for a residential treatment facility. This is why they are leaning on politicians to change the zoning.
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See the internal correspondence between The Beachcomer and the permitting office. In March of 2024. "In regards to reporter's specific question, a Residential Treatment Facility" is NOT allowed in the zone for the specific property..."
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May 21, 2024, 3 islanders had a video call with director of permitting for Unincorporated King County, Jim Chan. Jim confirmed that SIHB cannot get a permit for a residential treatment facility due to the site not being permitted for it. Currently SIHB is attempting to get a permit for a community residential facility. A community residential facility is not allowed any medical care - not even a nurse. SIHB cannot run a drug rehab out of a CRF either.
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The only way they can open is by re-zoning.
***Read More in Documentation Below***
Vashon is an inappropriate location for a drug rehab.
Due to the lack of medical facilities, mental health services, dependable public transportation, adequate police support, sufficient medical and fire emergency resources, affordable housing and water shares. We do not have adequate services to meet the needs of our current population, let alone to support a large residential drug treatment facility.
The number one reason there should not be a drug rehab on this island is due to the fact that we do not have a full hospital to support life-saving needs of patients.
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Thunderbird states they want 92 beds, rotating every 45 days. That means every year 736 addicts will be ferried to this remote community. 736.
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Pramila Jayapal's email to those opposing this plan indicates there will be addicts flown here from other states.
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***See Documentation***
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Read more about the facts we have uncovered and take action to help block the proposed zoning amendments and stop the rezoning of not only Vashon’s Community Care site, but all residential buildings or lots that can be used as a drug rehab or psychiatric hospital. Stay informed and join us in making a difference. Right now it's important that we make our voices heard!
Documentation
Protecting Your Community
We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of patients, residents and all surrounding communities.
Join the Movement
By supporting Good Neighbor Vashon, you become an essential part of the collective effort to stop King County from irrational and improper new zoning.
Our Values
We value unity, health and safety for all, and the working towards solutions that make sense. Together, we can make a difference.
Take Action
Join us in voicing our opposition to King County and working towards protecting this island and connected communities from inappropriate zoning .
Registered 501c4
As this is a non-profit which is considered legislative, donations are not tax deductible. Boo. But fighting for what's right - YAY.
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