CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNCIL Table of Contents May 12

CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNCIL

Table of Contents May 12, 2021 (noon) – May 19, 2021 (noon)

For full Council Correspondence, please follow this link: https://burienwa.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/45791

DATE NAME TOPIC FOLLOW-UP

05/13/21 Brian Jones Opposes DESC

05/13/21 Pamela Jorgensen Back-in Parking

05/13/21 Shay McBride Opposes DESC

05/13/21 Mariko Yatsu Opposes DESC

05/13/21 Todd Manola Opposes DESC

05/13/21 Elisabeth Hurley Supports DESC

05/13/21 Sybil Davis Supports DESC

05/14/21 Patricia James Opposes DESC

05/14/21 Michael J. McBride Opposes DESC

05/14/21 Joy Yoon BMC – Hedge Height

05/14/21 Lisa & Stephen Olmstead Opposes DESC

05/14/21 Brian & Teri Barnes Opposes DESC

05/14/21 Troy Brogdon Opposes DESC

05/14/21 Beth & Dick Kent Supports DESC

05/14/21 Jordan Pomeroy Opposes DESC

05/14/21 Angus Wood Opposes DESC

05/14/21 Julie Green Opposes DESC

05/14/21 Robin Dunkle Opposes DESC

05/14/21 Seth Leizman Supports DESC

https://burienwa.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/45791

Correspondence to the Council 05.12.21 – 05.19.21

05/14/21 Jeff Kerns Opposes DESC

05/14/21 Natalia Fialkoff Supports DESC

05/14/21 David Wilson &

Barbara DeVincentis Opposes DESC

05/14/21 Rev. Jenny Partch Supports DESC

05/15/21 Tony Home Opposes DESC

05/15/21 Kristen and Jeff Kerns Opposes DESC

05/15/21 Mandolin V. Noir Supports DESC

05/15/21 Twyla Lawrence Opposes DESC

05/15/21 Carol Sandoval Supports DESC

05/15/21 Will & Yvette Henricus Opposes DESC

05/15/21 August Hahn Supports DESC

05/15/21 Kristopher Medchill Opposes DESC

05/15/21 David Gould Opposes DESC

05/16/21 Marilyn McAdoo Supports DESC

05/16/21 Angela Doell Opposes DESC

05/16/21 Elizabeth Akina Opposes DESC

05/16/21 Adelle Comfort Supports DESC

05/16/21 Vicky Hartley Supports DESC

05/16/21 Glen Gaidos DESC

05/16/21 Jessica Brase Opposes DESC

05/17/21 William C. Kenner Opposes DESC

05/17/21 Enzo Morella Opposes DESC

05/17/21 Susan Nystrom Opposes DESC

05/17/21 Dr. C. Edgar Opposes DESC

05/17/21 Danny Dougan Supports DESC

05/17/21 Amy Kangas Supports DESC

Correspondence to the Council 05.12.21 – 05.19.21

05/17/21 Dr. C. Edgar (2) TIP

05/17/21 Debi Wagner Opposes DESC

05/17/21 Andrea Pollock Wood Opposes DESC

05/17/21 Patty Kvinge Supports DESC

05/17/21 Benjamin Miksch Supports DESC

05/17/21 Melissa Margain SEA Supply Drop

05/17/21 Mary Ellen Armburst Opposes DESC

05/17/21 Kate Richardson Supports DESC

05/17/21 Patty Janssen Opposes DESC

05/17/21 Kathy Hazen Supports DESC

05/18/21 David Feinberg Supports DESC

05/19/21 Jen Powell Supports DESC

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Heather Dumlao

From: Brian Jones <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2021 10:07 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC Facility in Burien

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe.

I'm a 36 resident and homeowner in Burien and would like to inform the Council that I am opposed to the DESC locating a facility in Burien. They have done a very poor job at their facility in downtown Seattle, and the Renton City Council has prohibited similar operations at the former Red Lion due to all the crime and filth it has attracted. If this goes forward, DESC will be taking homeless addicts from anywhere, and not just Burien. Deputy Mayor Krystal Marx said Burien should act as a "relief valve" for King County, but Krystal owns nothing in Burien or anywhere else and likely never will.

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Heather Dumlao

From: Pamela Jorgensen <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2021 4:19 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - City plan re: parking

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. Council members: I was not happy to hear that some parking areas in Burien may change to back‐in parking. I have been asking my friends and neighbors what they think about this proposed change, and have yet to find a single person who wants to see back‐in parking. Most are strongly against it. I feel the argument for making this change is weak and unconvincing. I hope you will eliminate this proposal from the plans. Pamela Jorgensen Sent from my iPad

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Heather Dumlao

From: Shay McBride <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2021 5:13 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC Vote

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. Dear Council Members, I have been a resident of Burien for more than two decades. I am a homeowner, investment property owner, a business owner, a taxpayer, a citizen, a parent, a neighbor‐ in other words, I am a STAKEHOLDER in this community! I am writing in opposition to the proposed DESC facility in Burien. The location of the proposed facility is in the middle of our business core, a core that local business owners have worked for decades to restore and maintain. It is the heartbeat of this community, and a source of pride for all. People visiting from other cities and countries always compliment Burien on their downtown business corridor. If you want to attract quality, long‐term businesses, you need to provide them with a safe environment in which to operate. Without local businesses and the B&O taxes they pay, there would be no Burien. There are other DESC locations in Seattle, and if the Burien facility is operated like their other locations, it will only serve to further tax our already strained public resources. No one wants to spend time or resources in a neighborhood where there is constant police activity and public drug use. It is a fact‐this facility will not be to provide services for homeless, mentally ill or addicted residents of Burien. The city of Burien has zero input as to who the residents of this facility will be. Trying to sell this facility as helping and housing residents of Burien is dishonest, at best. That residents will be allowed to continue to use drugs and alcohol while in this facility suggests there is no intention of addressing the underlying problems, which tells me the purpose of this facility is enriching the owners of DESC, while appearing to be helping those that can’t help themselves. Shame on you for even entertaining this idea! For once, listen to those that live and work in the community you allegedly serve. A vote against DESC is common sense. Shay McBride Sent from my iPad

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Heather Dumlao

From: Mariko Yatsu <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2021 7:23 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - This is in anticipation to 5/17/21 emergency meeting re building 95 units for drug and

alcohol/chronically homeless people


What is your long term plan for Burien? We are an official sanctuary city, the state does not incarcerate people, there are almost no drug laws in WA, we don’t want police & are okay with petty & not so petty crime & it looks as if the people really coming out on the winning end are drug cartels & Jeff Bezos (who was chased out of the state to CA by Pramila Jayapal). She BRAGGED about it on Bill Maher’s Real Time a year ago‐she referred to him as their “problem” now. https://www.king5.com/amp/article/news/local/seattle/spike‐in‐pacific‐northwest‐fentanyl‐overdoses‐linked‐to‐mexican‐cartel/281‐fba014e3‐2c94‐4cc7‐b3db‐cc8ab17fc126 I don’t get it. Why do you hate tax payers? People are vandalising cars in Seahurst Park, when things were open, the Burien library smelled like a men’s gym locker & often had people sleeping in the garage and in the library lounge area. People steal out of QFC & Fred Meyer on the regular, very few of the Metro riders pay full fare, mail theft in Burien appears to have finally spread to West Seattle territory (see below), and it appears that you want to invite MORE of this element to stay permanently in Burien. Why? Do any of you live IN BURIEN? Is that why would want to make Burien into the waste pit of WA state? Why don’t you want to encourage people to come here to spend money or start businesses? https://www.google.com/amp/s/komonews.com/amp/news/operation‐crime‐justice/wheres‐the‐accountability‐west‐seattle‐neighbors‐frustrated‐with‐repeated‐mail‐thief Mariko Yatsu Please help me‐I live here. Begin forwarded message:

From: Mariko Yatsu <[email protected]> Date: April 29, 2021 at 5:58:20 PM PDT To: [email protected] Subject: This is in response to the Burien blog post

You guys probably don’t appreciate my blunt delivery, but I think if you read this article carefully, you may notice some similarities: Structured environment The population may not know how to act And they will be challenging and expensive to work with. Please don’t set your expectations too high. I’m saying that for you, not me. (And not to be mean, either). https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle‐news/homeless/washington‐state‐officials‐propose‐toolkit‐to‐help‐people‐with‐mental‐health‐addiction‐issues‐find‐housing/?amp=1 Mariko Yatsu Begin forwarded message:

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From: Mariko Yatsu <[email protected]> Date: March 23, 2021 at 8:00:36 AM PDT To: [email protected] Subject: Fwd: This is in response to the Burien blog post

You probably needed my zip code (at minimum): Mariko Yatsu 15910 Maplewild Avenue SW Burien, WA 98166 The chronically homeless I have seen around Burien need a structured environment, long term medical care to get mental health needs assessed, and to be safely detoxed off of whatever they are on. They also need dental attention and a determination as to what they might reasonably be able to do with their lives‐even if this means not acting out in public. Many may not be capable of “productive” work, but it would be better than sitting on a moving blanket next to a dumpster getting drunk.

Mariko Yatsu Begin forwarded message:

From: Mariko Yatsu <[email protected]> Date: March 23, 2021 at 6:53:36 AM PDT To: [email protected] Subject: This is in response to the Burien blog post

Regarding the proposal to build 95 harm reduction units for the people currently living in their trucks, cars, shelters, etc. Please count this as a vote against this proposal; I analogize it to putting topical antibiotic ointment on flesh eating bacteria. Mariko Yatsu

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Heather Dumlao

From: todd manola <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2021 8:04 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC in Burien


Hello Council Members, As a long time resident of Burien and a huge supporter of Burien shops and restaurants, I feel like this addition to Burien would be a big disservice to our town just to help King county. My wife and I own vacation rentals in the area as well as we are trying to open the Old Three Tree Point Store and we want to draw guests to our beautiful area. Knowing that this DESC would accept drug use and house so many people roaming our street would not only detour people from coming to our town but also detour us as neighbors to frequent our local restaurants with our children. My family is strongly against this proposal. Sincerely, Todd Manola 3540 SW 172nd St. Burien, WA 98166

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Heather Dumlao

From: Elisabeth Hurley <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2021 9:05 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Planned Downtown Emergency Housing Project at 801 SW 150th Street in Burien

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. Dear Council Members, I am writing in support of the planned affordable housing project in my neighborhood. It is very much needed, and I hope that it will be approved. I live in short walking distance from the proposed location and see no problem being a neighbor to DESC tenants. Knowing that concerns against the project have been voiced too, I would like to address some of them. Some current Burien residents and business owners might worry about increased disturbances and crime. I don’t agree. Through former volunteer work I have seen how successful structured housing ‐ like DESC proposes ‐ can be. I understand that engagement and close coordination with mental health and adovacy groups are an important part of how DESC is structured. Its tenants, as well as Burien neighbors and businesses, would also benefit from the around‐the‐clock security in the building itself. All this would contribute to a safer neighborhood and strong housing retention for the formerly homeless DESC residents. I understand that some opponents have mentioned parking as a problem. I don’t agree with that either. First of all, many formerly homeless people do not own cars. They, like I do too, take public transportation. May I point out that the 120 bus stop is very close to the site and the Burien Transit Center is also nearby. Walking almost daily around my neighborhood, I have never seen overcrowded parking areas. There are plenty of parking spaces in case more would be needed eventually. It’s good to know that there are NO zoning problems. The fact that there is NO COST to the city to build DESC should be another plus. So is the assurance from DESC that people living in Burien would be prioritized. Perhaps, considering all of this, some opponents might become supporters of the planned project. Hopefully the vote on May 17th will be a resounding YES for DESC! You certainly have my vote and support. Sincerely, Elisabeth Hurley Burien Resident [email protected]

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Heather Dumlao

From: Sybil Davis <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2021 9:32 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC building proposal


Dear City Council Members, First and foremost, thank you for your service to our community. It takes great commitment to sit through hours and hours of meetings, research issues, and listen fully to all sides. My comment is short. After much thought, research, and listening to opposing views, I have come to the conclusion that approving the proposal to build a DESC facility in Burien would be a positive step for society, our community, and would demonstrate our values. I hope that you will vote to approve this proposal. Thank you, Sincerely, Sybil Davis 16818 Ambaum Blvd. So. Burien, Wa. 98148

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Heather Dumlao

From: Pat James <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 7:10 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. As a 73 year old resident of Burien, I am NOT in favor of the DESC proposal for the City of Burien. Patricia James Burien, WA

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Heather Dumlao

From: Michael McBride <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 8:39 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC Vote


Dear Council Members, I have been a resident of Burien for more than two decades. I am a homeowner, investment property owner, a business owner, a taxpayer, a citizen, a parent, a neighbor‐ in other words, I am a STAKEHOLDER in this community! I am writing in opposition to the proposed DESC facility in Burien. The location of the proposed facility is in the middle of our business core, a core that local business owners have worked for decades to restore and maintain. It is the heartbeat of this community, and a source of pride for all. People visiting from other cities and countries always compliment Burien on their downtown business corridor. If you want to attract quality, long‐term businesses, you need to provide them with a safe environment in which to operate. Without local businesses and the B&O taxes they pay, there would be no Burien. There are other DESC locations in Seattle, and if the Burien facility is operated like their other locations, it will only serve to further tax our already strained public resources. No one wants to spend time or resources in a neighborhood where there is constant police activity and public drug use. It is a fact‐this facility will not be to provide services for homeless, mentally ill or addicted residents of Burien. The city of Burien has zero input as to who the residents of this facility will be. Trying to sell this facility as helping and housing residents of Burien is dishonest, at best. That residents will be allowed to continue to use drugs and alcohol while in this facility suggests there is no intention of addressing the underlying problems, which tells me the purpose of this facility is enriching the owners of DESC, while appearing to be helping those that can’t help themselves. Shame on you for even entertaining this idea! For once, listen to those that live and work in the community you allegedly serve. A vote against DESC is common sense. Michael J. McBride McBride Financial Advisors, LLC P.O. Box 1328 Seahurst, WA 98062 206‐223‐0561

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866‐584‐5613 Fax www.mcbridefinancialadvisors.com This email and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by return e‐mail, delete this e‐mail and destroy any copies. Any dissemination or use of this information by a person other than the intended recipient is unauthorized and may be illegal.

12

Heather Dumlao

From: Joy Yoon <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 10:22 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Burien City Municiple Code Update


Can you please update Burien City Municipal Code regarding the hedge height in between neighbors? I live in areas where it has a water view and of course, I pay taxes accordingly. Usually, where there is a neighborhood concerning over view, city municipal code typically indicates maximum height allowed. For example, Some other areas by the water have a 6 feet hedge height restriction. Normandy park has the limit of 10 feet. Why doesn't Burien have it? It frustrates me when I need to talk to my neighbors. Basically, their attitude is like ‘we like it the way it is” and let it grow over 20 feet. It creates large shade in my backyard and it kills my grass. It started blocking my view. They were like that until we offered to pay half of the trimming cost and it still wasn’t satisfactory because they trimmed so little. Now, I have to pay them more frequently than necessary? It is so frustrating. I don't feel like talking to them. I think Burien Municipal code could use updating regarding this, especially in the neighborhood where the view is. The reason is because it affects the property value. We don’t have the law of right to view in my area, so basically, if the neighbor doesn’t cooperate then I lose value on my property? It's common sense that people are more concerned over this, however, there are always some bad apples. City doesn’t adjust the value of the property that fast either. If I lose the view and if I lose the value, Burien city tax assessor doesn’t adjust automatically unless I bring it up. I mean the whole process is not very considerate. If we have more defined restrictions on hedge height and right to view, it would help reduce stress and tension between neighbors. Thank you. J. Bearscove

13

Heather Dumlao

From: Steve Olmstead <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 11:02 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC Facility


Council Members, We understand that the siting of a DESC facility in downtown Burien is up for discussion/approval Next Monday. We would strongly recommend a "NO" vote with the proposition. We have intimate experience with DESC through my work with King County EMS, and our medical/nursing professions. We have fair knowledge of the problems associated with DESC run facilities. We feel that the current proposal will have a very negative impact on the citizens and businesses of Burien. We foresee a terrible impact on the nearby senior population, and a further expansion of our drug problems. The local businesses will suffer and will need to deal with more disruptive behavior! The idea that our local homeless will benefit is quite unlikely given the way King County operates its resources and will assign occupants based upon county need, not our local needs. Don't yield to pressure from county officials in the hope that some good will result. This is a bad idea, and we would strongly recommend no approval! Thank you for your attention. Lisa Olmstead BSN Stephen Olmstead MD FACEP Burien

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Heather Dumlao

From: Brian Barnes <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 11:06 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Homeless Apartments


INCLUDE THESE COMMENTS IN THE MEETING To Krystal Marx ‐ We are not a relief center for downtown Seattle. We won’t even go to downtown Seattle anymore because it is so full of crime, depressing, scary and trashy. There are no consequences for these people and to bring that kind of environment to Burien is just unconscionable. We do not want this 95 person homeless complex in Burien. It will increase crime and make Burien a less safe environment. It will increase spent needles all over the place creating a safety problem for kids. MY DOES NOT FEEL SAFE SHOPPING AT SAFEWAY ANYMORE BECAUSE THE COUNCIL PUT THE TRANSIT CENTER NEXT TO IT. She has been accosted and panhandled way too many times and now shops at Fred Meyer. She won’t even go anywhere near this shopping complex and it is terrible for these Burien businesses. You will destroy Burien with this implementation. Please do not do it. Sincerely, Brian & Teri Barnes 13849 18th Ave SW Burien, WA 98166

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Heather Dumlao

From: Troy Brogdon <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 11:57 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESCAttachments: DESC.pdf; DESC 2.pdf


Dear Council Members, Our team has been so happy at our new home in Burien. We’ve been in the old fire station now for just over 2 years. We love all the great restaurants nearby, the wonderful farmers market, and overall community feeling. The owner of Smarty Pants called us when a large phone order was made a day early and they had to get rid of several dozens of sandwiches. What an extremely thoughtful gesture from our neighbor. Back in the summer of 2020, Grand Central needed some large planters moved off the elevated platform in front of their business. They stopped by our office and asked if they could hire us to move them seeing as we have a forklift at our disposal. We said ‘no’. And with a smile, 'No you can’t hire us. We’ll just take care of it for you.’ Any of our 95+ staff with a McBride Construction logo on their hat or shirt ordering a sandwich is met with a friendly smile. Burien has truly become our home! The possibility of the DESC moving in across the street gives us great concern. While we understand the homelessness crisis in King County, safety and security for our employees are top priorities for us at McBride Construction. We’ve read many articles covering the issues occurring at other DESC locations and we don’t want to see those issues happening in Burien. For example, the Morrison Hotel DESC property in Seattle had 2,583 police responses in 2019 where a police officer had to go to physically arrive onsite. That’s over 7 visits per day. Firefighters have had to respond to emergencies at the facilities and have shared their experiences having been attacked and now police have to accompany the firefighter responses. Our police force in Burien is already stretched thin. Adding the DESC to the equation would prove very difficult for police to respond and would only add to their already difficult jobs. In fact, one of the reasons we made the decision to move to Burien from Seattle was due to the way the homeless crisis was being handled by Seattle and King County. We pride ourselves on having a diverse workforce and employ many women in roles ranging from Accounting/Administration, Project Manager/Estimators, Superintendents, and even our Safety Officer. We feel that in order to maintain their safety, as well as the rest of our staff, we’ll need to have staff escorted to and from their vehicles with incidents and police calls potentially occurring regularly across the street. We could also lose employees that feel uncomfortable working next door to a facility that garners so much police and firefighter involvement with rampant drug use. I’ve attached a couple of news articles here that I think summarizes what we can expect if the DESC is established in Burien. Secondarily, parking would be a huge concern. With 95 residents and 14 employees and no real allocated parking, street parking would become a disaster around our business with employees and customers vying for coveted spots. This becomes even more of an issue considering that the municipal lot is being developed. Again, we understand there is a need for homeless shelters and that this crisis won’t go away if it's ignored. We just don’t think this location would benefit the community of Burien at all and wouldn’t specifically solve any homelessness in Burien as King County would decide who is placed there. Please vote NO on bringing the DESC to Burien and let’s work toward other solutions to solve the homelessness crisis in Burien. We much appreciate your roles as community leaders as well as the opportunity to be heard. Thanks for your time.

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Sincerely, Troy Brogdon

Troy Brogdon Vice President McBride Construction Resources Inc. Cell 206‐228‐6571 / Direct 206‐432‐3178 / Office (24hr) 1‐800‐676‐5053 www.mcbrideconstruction.com Seattle | 15100 8th Ave SW, Burien, WA 98166 | Office 206‐283‐7121 | Fax 206‐284‐5670 Portland | 5291 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Ste 120, Hillsboro, OR 97124 | Office 503‐844‐4250 | Fax 503‐844‐4207

NOTICE: This e‐mail is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and contains information belonging to McBride Construction Resources Incorporated, which may be confidential and/or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this e‐mail information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e‐mail in error, please immediately notify the sender and destroy all copies of the original message.

Please consider the environment before printing this e‐mail

McBride Construction has a new home. Our new mailing address is 15100 8th Ave. S.W., Burien, WA 98166. Our telephone number and fax number have remained the same. Please note this change for your records.

From: Troy Brogdon [email protected]:

Date: May 14, 2021 at 10:51 AMTo:

Dear Council Members,

Our team has been so happy at our new home in Burien. We’ve been in the old fire station now for just over 2 years. We love all the great restaurants nearby, the wonderful farmers market, and overall community feeling. The owner of Smarty Pants called us when a large phone order was made a day early and they had to get rid of several dozens of sandwiches. What an extremely thoughtful gesture from our neighbor. Back in the summer of 2020, Grand Central needed some large planters moved off the elevated platform in front of their business. They stopped by our office and asked if they could hire us to move them seeing as we have a forklift at our disposal. We said ‘no’. And with a smile, 'No you can’t hire us. We’ll just take care of it for you.’ Anyone with a McBride Construction logo on their hat or shirt ordering a sandwich is met with a friendly smile. Burien has truly become our home!

The possibility of the DESC moving in across the street gives us great concern. While we understand the homelessness crisis in King County, safety and security for our employees are top priorities for us at McBride Construction. We’ve read many articles covering the issues occurring at other DESC locations and we don’t want to see those issues happening in Burien. For example, the Morrison Hotel DESC property in Seattle had 2,583 police responses in 2019 where a police officer had to go to physically arrive onsite. That’s over 7 visits per day. Firefighters have had to respond to emergencies at the facilities and have shared their experiences having been attacked and now police have to accompany the firefighter responses. We pride ourselves on having a diverse workforce and employ women in roles ranging from Accounting/Administration, Project Manager/Estimators, Superintendents, and even our Safety Officer. We feel that in order to maintain their safety, as well as the rest of our staff, we’ll need to have staff escorted to and from their vehicles with incidents and police calls potentially occurring regularly across the street. We could also potentially lose employees that feel uncomfortable working next door to a facility that garners so much police and firefighter involvement. I’ve linked a couple of news articles here that I think summarizes what we can expect if the DESC is established in Burien.

https://mynorthwest.com/2593799/rantz-seattle-shelter-city-fund-heroin-pipes-injection/

https://komonews.com/news/project-seattle/emergency-calls-abound-at-morrison-hotel-in-seattle-as-some-wonder-what-can-be-done

Secondarily, parking would be a huge concern. With 95 residents and 14 employees and no allocated parking, street parking would become a disaster around our business with employees and customers vying for coveted spots. This becomes even more of an issue considering that the municipal lot is being developed.

Again, we understand there is a need for homeless shelters and that this crisis won’t go away if it's ignored. We just don’t think this location would benefit the community of Burien. Please vote NO on bringing the DESC to Burien.

Troy BrogdonVice PresidentMcBride Construction Resources Inc.Cell 206-228-6571 / Direct 206-432-3178 / Office (24hr) 1-800-676-5053www.mcbrideconstruction.comSeattle | 15100 8th Ave SW, Burien, WA 98166 | Office 206-283-7121 | Fax 206-284-5670Portland | 5291 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Ste 120, Hillsboro, OR 97124 | Office 503-844-4250 | Fax 503-844-4207NOTICE: This e-mail is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and contains information belonging to McBride Construction ResourcesIncorporated, which may be confidential and/or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this e-mail information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify the sender and destroy all copies of the original message.

! Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

https://mynorthwest.com/2593799/rantz-seattle-shelter-city-fund-heroin-pipes-injection/


http://www.mcbrideconstruction.com/

McBride Construction has a new home. Our new mailing address is 15100 8th Ave. S.W., Burien, WA 98166. Our telephone number and fax number have remained the same. Please note this change for your records.

Rantz: Seattle homelessshelter buys heroin pipeswith city funds, teachesrectal injection methodBy Jason RantzFebruary 22, 2021 at 7:08 pm

A Seattle-funded homeless shelter is instructing addicts tosmoke heroin and inject drugs rectally. They're passing outheroin pipes and so-called "booty bumping" kits. Theirrecommendation to homeless addicts thinking aboutsmoking heroin? "Give it a try!"

https://mynorthwest.com/author/jason-rantz/

A Seattle-backed homeless shelter is instructing addicts tosmoke heroin and inject drugs rectally. And the shelter isusing tax dollars to help get addicts high.

The Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) passesout heroin pipes and so-called “booty bumping” kits. To alerthomeless clients of their offerings, DESC posted severalflyers at their Navigation Center location on 12th AvenueSouth. They give encouragement to addicts to use new toolsand methods to continue their destructive and deadlyaddictions.

Officials with Seattle’s Human Services Department (HSD)won’t directly respond to concerns over the advice or use offunds. But they do back the methods because it “reflects thevarying needs of those experiencing homelessness inSeattle.”

Two flyers, one message: Do drugs

The DESC is a self-described social justice organization.

They operate low-barrier shelters for the most vulnerablehomeless population, many of whom live with severeaddictions. The group approaches their homeless advocacywith “harm-reduction techniques and evidence-basedpractices.”

https://www.desc.org/what-we-do/health-services/

With that guiding principle, staff posted two flyers with tipson how to be safer and more efficient addicts.

One flyer is focused on smoking heroin, rather than injectingit. It says DESC is passing out new heroin pipes because“smoking is a lower-risk alternative to injection. Give it a try!”

Resident addicts “can now get 3 kinds of glass — bubbles,stems, and hammers — from case managers [or] anymember of the management team.” But you’re only allowed“one kind of each pipe once a week.”

You can, however, get “extra screens and mouthpieces” atthe front desk.

“The efforts we make are focused on reducing risks topeople engaged in risky behaviors, and helping people makeuse of treatment that can be helpful to them,” DESCExecutive Director Daniel Malone tells the Jason Rantz Showon KTTH.

‘Booty bumping’ kits

The second flyer promotes “booty bumping” kits, whichprovides an alternative to intravenous injection.

This process has an addict inject drugs rectally, usually methor cocaine mixed with water, through a needless syringe. Arectum is very efficient at absorption, so the high is

https://www.sfaf.org/collections/beta/how-to-booty-bump-better/#:~:text=Booty%20bumping%20involves%20mixing%20drugs,a%20needle%20at%20the%20end.

described as more intense and longer-lasting. The flyer saysthis method to get high is a “good choice if your veins arehard to hit,” and that it “doesn’t leave tracks.”

This seems like it will keep you addicted longer, not make iteasier for an addict to be free of their deadly addiction. ButMalone says this technique embraces a harm reductionmodel. He says it falls “on the continuum of helping peopleto decrease risk by avoiding the use of needles to injectdrugs, because intravenous injection of drugs can producecomplications such as phlebitis, vasculitis, cellulitis, veinscarring, abscesses, and systemic infections related to IVinjection.”

Booty bumping kits are available at the front desk. All youneed to do is ask.

City funds for ‘pragmatic interventions’

Malone confirms to the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH that theDESC uses “funds from our contract with the City of Seattleto purchase clean syringes and other harm reductionsupplies.” Those other supplies include the heroin pipes, but“demand for clean syringes remains far higher than for otherkinds of supplies.”

The City of Seattle refused to directly say if it endorsed theflyers or the use of city funds. Kevin Mundt, a spokesperson

for the HSD, deflected direct questions and simply sent mean explanation of what DESC offers. But he did reference theflyers.

“I haven’t seen the flyers that you’re referring to and,therefore, can’t comment specifically on the information orhow it is presented,” the spokesperson said.

So I sent him the flyers and asked my questions again. Again,he did not answer directly, simply telling me how DESC andHSD handle chronically homeless addicts. Google isconsiderably more efficient at getting that information thangoing through a city spokesperson.

Mayor Jenny Durkan’s Office did not respond to tworequests for comment.

Malone argues the approach offers “pragmatic interventionsthat reduce harm to the individual and overall community.”

“We try to reduce the stigma around substance use toencourage clients to share openly and honestly about theirexperiences and needs. We speak to clients frankly anddirectly about the risks and dangers of substance use andthe options available to them about changing their use, ”Malone said. “We have substance use disorder counselorand opioid treatment nurse positions at the shelter whoprovide motivational interviewing, and individual and group

counseling.”

But does it work?

How has this approach worked?

Whether you think this approach works may depend on howyou define success and what you’re willing to trade for astrategy that is in no rush to treat people for their deadlyaddiction.

Malone says that the DESC has about 200 homeless peoplein medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.Roughly 125 clients are in outpatient substance use disordertreatment. But he warns “it’s not generally a linear processwhere people enter treatment and quit using and thenbecome housed.”

In 2019, the DESC moved 28 people into permanent housingand in 2020 just 22. Malone cites affordable housing scarcityas an issue. He also believes this is about reducing thespread of disease.

“Overall, the harm reduction practices and supplies availableat the Navigation Center are intended to reduce thetransmission of communicable diseases (specifically HIV,Hepatitis C, and Hepatitis A), reduce the possible medicalcomplications from using substances, and reduce

overdoses,” Malone said. “They also open the door toconversations that can lead to behavior changes and long-term recovery.”

Critics are less generous in their interpretation of theapproach.

Homeless addicts stay addicted, crime goesup

The longer a homeless addict stays addicted, the morecrime they will likely commit to feed their addiction.

While it’s certainly true that not all homeless addicts commitcrimes, many do. Car break-ins are so common that manysimply forgo a police report. Parks have become open-airdrug markets or illegal bazaars. Addicts sell stolen goodsand use the proceeds to buy drugs.

And the addicts in DESC care have caused considerableharm to the community.

At the DESC downtown Seattle location on 3rd Avenue,Seattle Police responded to 253 reports of assault and 174theft reports in 2019. All in, this location saw an average ofseven single police response calls per day that year,according to KOMO TV. The DESC disputed some of thedata. But walk past that location on any given day, at any

https://komonews.com/news/project-seattle/im-just-trying-to-stay-alive-inside-seattles-underground-economy


https://www.desc.org/about-our-main-shelter/

given time, pre-pandemic, and you wouldn’t feel safe.

While the DESC and proponents of their approach claim itworks, there’s usually a caveat. It’s tied to an ideologicallydriven policy push for free housing. And then there’s thedata. While the city and county have used a harm reductionmodel, the homelessness crisis has gotten worse. So has ourdrug overdose crisis. Perhaps it’s because the city, via DESC,is handing out the tools to get high.

Listen to the Jason Rantz Show weekday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. on KTTH 770 AM (or HD Radio 97.3 FM HD-Channel3). Subscribe to the podcast here.Follow @JasonRantz on Twitter, and Instagram and like meon Facebook.

https://mynorthwest.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=1018&n=The%20Jason%20Rantz%20Show

https://twitter.com/jasonrantz

https://twitter.com/jasonrantz

https://www.instagram.com/jasonrantz/

http://www.facebook.com/jasonrantzshow

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Heather Dumlao

From: Elizabeth Kent <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 12:17 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - In support of the proposed DESC housing unit for Burien

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. My children chose to perform their high school community service providing dinners to homeless men in a West Seattle church. We stayed and ate with the men and in listening to their stories about how they became homeless we were struck by how easily a random crisis derailed their lives and how long they had been homeless because of it. They got injured and lost their jobs and then their homes or their car stop running and they couldn’t afford to fix it but needed it for work. Once they were unhoused they couldn’t get a job because they couldn’t get there or didn’t have an address to receive an offer or they couldn’t clean up well enough to pass the interview. We are supportive of the DESC proposal for Burien because it gives the city a humane and cost effective way to intervene in this cycle. It gives people a safe place to stay, an address or access to computers to receive correspondence from employers and to apply for jobs. It is conveniently located within walking distance to transit and shopping and away from hesitant neighborhoods. Concentrating unhoused people in a single building will make it convenient for the city to provide other social services these people will need such as counseling to transition back to being housed and independent. Additionally, DESC has the experience needed to run such a facility; they know what it will take. And we believe that removing vulnerable people from the streets will reduce crime in the area. Let’s show our homeless neighbors the courtesy of a helping hand to get back on their feet and do it with an operator that has the experience to be successful in a location that well sited.. Beth and Dick Kent 16924 35th Ave SW Burien, WA 98166 And yes, we vote.

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Heather Dumlao

From: Jordan <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 1:17 PMTo: Public - Council InboxCc: Brian WilsonSubject: CTTC - Proposed location of DESC

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. To the Burien City Council, I write to you today to express my strong opposition to the location of the proposed DESC in the downtown Burien retail core. I do not understand how this council could possibly allow this location to be approved. For starters, this facility will do nothing to address homelessness in Burien as not a single one of the estimated 25 individuals who are homeless in Burien are guaranteed to have a place at this facility. The site of the proposed DESC will indisputably harm the businesses in that area. This facility has 3 proposed parking spots. 3! Where do you think the people are going to park? If you actually speak to the business owners around the proposed site, many of which are minority owned businesses, they are against this proposal. Finally, DESC is refusing to build any commercial space on the street level which the current business occupants could re‐occupy. Despite the fact, they have done this exact thing at other locations around the area. What happens to those businesses? Those businesses will actually contribute to the tax base of Burien, DESC will not. Why have we, as the local small business community, spent years trying to rehabilitate Burien if the city council is going to continually undercut and destroy any progress that we’ve made with decisions just like this? The proposed location of the DESC is wrong for the homeless of Burien. It’s wrong for the small business community of Burien. And it’s wrong for the city of Burien. With Deep Concern, Jordan Pomeroy Sent from my iPad

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Heather Dumlao

From: Australian Pie Co <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 2:16 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC housing shelter


Good day All, I am very disturbed by the effort to ram through as quickly as possible the DESC housing/shelter that is being proposed in Burien, that does very little for Burien homeless, and allows drug use while on the property. Also, the 3 parking spaces for the 14 employees, and visitors will not suffice, and will need to be brought into the existing planning and building codes for our city. Police services at this time are stretched far beyond what is normal practice, and, will definetly go into deficit when added calls and services are applied. I hear the anger from many residents that they are not being heard by the city council. I need to ask, are you representing the public of the city of Burien, or are you pushing your own agenda. Please know that many are taking notice of what is happening right now. Sincerely ‐‐ Angus Wood Australian Pie Co 425 SW 152nd Burien, WA 98166

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Heather Dumlao

From: John and Julie GREEN <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 2:17 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC


Dear Council, I am writing to express my concerns about the possibility of the DESC moving into the Burien neighborhood where I work. While I do believe there needs to be a solution to the growing homeless situation. I feel that using the funds to help with counseling and support will be money better allocated. I don't think the placement of this shelter in Burien is the answer. I have read about many issues occurring at other DESC locations and don't want those issues happening in Burien. I like working in Burien and feeling safe and secure while I am at work and taking walks on my lunch. I just don't think this will benefit the community of Burien and will not solve any homelessness in Burien. Sincerely Julie Green

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Heather Dumlao

From: Robin Dunkle <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 3:03 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC


I am writing to you as a concerned Small Business owner here in the Burien area since 2008. I relocated to the PNW 24 years ago from beautiful Newport Beach California. When I moved here, it was a gorgeous, inviting refreshing place to live. In the past two decades, I along with countless people have seen the downward spiral of SEATTLE. Over the past several years the homeless and crime in our small community has exploded. Now, you want to put a private non-profit organization The Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) right in the middle of our Burien downtown area where we small business struggle to stay alive as it is? If this proposal passes, I will be forced to shut my business down and ultimately move from the area as I would not support bringing my clients to an area that they are not safe in and or/ not to mention the filfth that will have to get through just to help support our local small businesses. The fact that this organization supports drug use and sexual acts with clean needles and condoms is disgusting. I cannot believe I have had to apologize to my children for raising them here and now they have to see this. This is incredibly sad and heart wrenching to our community and small businesses alike. Please, if you have any kind of dignity at all, look at what you are imposing on those around you. Walk in our shoes! Respectfully, Robin Dunkle C/O Howard & Marge Https://howardandmarge,com

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Heather Dumlao

From: Seth Leizman <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 3:24 PMTo: Public - Council InboxCc: Jimmy Matta; Krystal Marx; Sofia Aragon; Cydney Moore; Pedro OlguinSubject: CTTC - DESC Building Proposal

Importance: High


Dear Burien City Council, Thank you for considering the development of the proposed DESC supportive housing building. As a case manager that works with the homeless population here in Burien, the lack of housing is a reality that is faced daily. The homeless crisis cannot be meaningfully addressed without investing in housing. The current state of homelessness is a complex, multifaceted issue where potential measures are often endlessly debated which leads to the problem outpacing any proposed solution. Even if the DESC property in question were to be approved in Burien, 95 units is a drop in the bucket which is a testament to just how needed these units are. Many homeless individuals struggle with substance use and mental health disorders which are difficult, if not impossible, to address when their day‐to‐day life is focused on survival. Housing is paramount for them to move toward stability as fulfilling legal obligations and consistent engagement in services are close to impossible without a home to rest. Sincerely,

Seth Leizman, BA, AAC LEAD Case Manager He/Him

Cell(206)455.4917 Fax(206)432.3575 http://www.etsreach.org/ REACH acknowledges the land on which we stand today as the traditional home of the Coast Salish people, and of all tribes and bands within the Duwamish, Suquamish, Tulalip, and Muckleshoot nations. We take this opportunity to thank the original caretakers of this land who are still here. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. IN ADDITION, it may contain information that is proprietary or subject to patient medical confidentiality protection under various state and federal regulations, including 42 CFR Part 2 (governing Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act (45 CFR §160 & 164) and cannot be disclosed without written consent unless otherwise provided for in the regulations. If you are not the intended

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recipient, be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender by replying to this email and then delete the email from your computer.

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Heather Dumlao

From: David Wilson <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 3:26 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Messsage sentmreviously

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. Please read previous message at council meeting. Thank you

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Heather Dumlao

From: Jeff Kerns <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 3:23 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC project in Downtown


Dear City Council Members, We are very much opposed to you voting yes on this project. There is enough aggressive homeless population in the city and crime. We just had friends house broken into and their car burned (for no reason). This has to stop. Build a project that has better parameters, more caregivers and guards to protect those inside and out. This project seems to be lacking all those things. We have done a great job over the past 10 years to get this community a better face. Let’s keep pushing the needle further to clean up down town. Thanks, Jeff

Jeffry W. Kerns SVP of Sales/ Consultant www.truluma.com Seattle Corporate Office 1702 North 34th Street Seattle, WA 98103 Direct: 206.257.2671 Main: 206.633.2922 www.truluma.com [email protected]

STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY The information contained in this email and any attachments is strictly confidential and is for the use of the intended recipient. Any use, dissemination, distribution or reproduction of any part of this email or any attachment is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by return mail and delete all copies including attachments. **Responses to prequalification inquiries are based on incomplete applicant information and, therefore, may not be construed, under any circumstances, as an offer to provide insurance. Carriers will only be able to evaluate and determine if offers of insurance can be made following the receipt of a complete application package and the completion of all underwriting requirements that are in effect at the time of receipt.

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Heather Dumlao

From: Natalia Fialkoff <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 4:50 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Support of DESC

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. Dear City Council, Thank you for your support of DESC thus far. This gift is much needed in Burien, and will represent our most vulnerable citizens, keep them safe, and improve their health. The services DESC provide make for an irreplaceable gem of low income housing and it’s locations is perfect. Everything I have heard at meetings and from my own research proves to me that this will be a great asset to our downtown core. Please help move this forward quickly! Natalia Fialkoff Sent from my iPad

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Heather Dumlao

From: David Wilson <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 3:11 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - proposef down town homeless shelter

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. Are you people out of your minds? Do you realize the added strain and expense that this proj will put on law enforcement and emergency medical facilities? This will destroy many of the businesses, Night life will cease. I realize that most of the offenses perpetrated by the existing homeless folks in Burien are misdemeanors and do not warrant a police response, Exposure, peeing in the streets, bathing in the rest rooms in the library accosting older folks in public parking areas, are a few things that occur. Safeway (where I used to shop) apparently has quite a shoplift problem Rumor has it that several council members are not property owners in Burien. Possibly the do‐gooder attitude would abate if they did, Butirn is NOT a place for a homeless shelter /s/ David Wilson and Barbara DeVincentis 14301 23rd ave SW, Burien

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Heather Dumlao

From: Rev. Jenny Partch <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, May 14, 2021 9:30 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Letter RE DESC


May 14, 2021

To the Council Members of Burien:

The Ecumenical Leadership Circle and our partners in the Burien Housing Coalition implore you to support the DESC Permanent Supportive Housing development in Burien through the Housing Demonstration Project. The concessions the Demonstration Project would allow the DESC makes this housing project the most economical while providing the best building and services that are most appropriate to meet the needs of the residents in the building. These allowances are not for the convenience of the developer, but in the best interest of the residents and therefore the city/community as well.

According to the statistics for Burien provided by Broadview Consulting, Burien needs 481 units of housing in the 0-30% AMI range by 2040. The DESC project is a step towards fulfilling this need. South King County does not have enough Permanent Supportive Housing, which is vital for our neighbors living with chronic mental illness and brain injuries. It is the best model of safe and appropriate semi-independent living for people who need a moderate amount of support in handling finances, healthcare, and daily living chores. When the U.S. released people from State Mental Institutions, the facilities and services that were to replace those institutions were never created. Permanent Supportive Housing is the housing that should have been created in the 1960’s for those who were well enough to not be involuntarily committed yet still needing services to maintain a level of healthy independence.

We would never question the building of assisted living for the elderly, such as Merrill Gardens in the downtown corridor. Why would we not also support the type of assisted living complex that would keep people suffering with mental illness or brain injury from living in poverty and often forcing them into homelessness? Providing appropriate assisted living that allows someone to access consistent mental health services and stabilize their life is essential to being a just and sustainable community. A decision to deny this development project is discrimination and a form of red-lining where people with mental illness are banished from living in our community.

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Our coalition has provided Burien’s Severe Weather Shelter for the past three winter seasons. We see each individual who comes to the shelter and get to know them. They are our sons, daughters and children, our siblings, our aunts and uncles, and even our grandparents. We accompany many of them beyond the shelter and advocate for their housing, healthcare and employment. We see their humanity and the fragility of their humanity. Allowing appropriate housing to be built in our city is the right, good and just action to take for our vulnerable neighbors.

Sincerely,

Rev. Jenny Partch, Highline UMC, Severe Weather Shelter, Ecumenical Leadership Circle

Fr. Richard Hayatsu, St. Francis of Assisi, Ecumenical Leadership Circle

Rev. Amy Hitchens, Normandy Park UCC, Ecumenical Leadership Circle

Rev. Lina Thompson, Lake Burien Presbyterian, Ecumenical Leadership Circle

Heather Hallman, SW Youth and Family Service

Irene Danysh, Community Visions

Nancy Kick, Burien People Power

Michael Williams, HI-CORE Highline Education Association Caucus

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Heather Dumlao

From: Tony Home <[email protected]>Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2021 8:56 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Council Vote on DESC


I am against this proposition.

Sent from Tony's iPhone

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Heather Dumlao

From: Kerns Family <[email protected]>Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2021 9:00 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC project

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. Dear Council, We are writing to express our concern of building a 95 room DESC unit in the heart of Burien. We have lived here over 20 years and have applauded the revitalization of downtown and Olde Burien. It is clear our nation, region and city has a very real homeless problem, but building a housing unit with no plan to offer drug and mental health counseling, puts our city at risk. It is my understanding these projects have shown success when paired with drug and mental health facilities, but the plan to have 2 staff members to manage up to 95 residents does not sound like a successful start. Please push back on DESC and make them provide real help, including mental health and drug treatment, and a more robust staff ratio for the planned facility. Thank you, Kristen and Jeff Kerns

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Heather Dumlao

From: Mandolin Vale Noir <[email protected]>Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2021 9:02 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - City Council Meeting Monday, May 17th, 2021 regarding DESC.


Please make my comment part of the public record (included in CTTC). My name is Mandolin Noir and I live in Burien, WA. I would like to encourage the city council to approve the building of 95 homes for people in need. I personally have a family member who is currently living on the streets. Because of the ease and rampant drug use in SOME of the homeless areas, overdoses aren't uncommon. Unfortunely I can say 2 brothers, an uncle, and friends that have died of overdoses. We need to prove that someone cares for the people in need and stop looking the other way. I would like to help make 95 new homes for the homeless a possibility. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Mandolin V. Noir Small business owner and resident of Burien.

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Heather Dumlao

From: Twyla Lawrence <[email protected]>Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2021 1:47 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC Project


I am not in favor of the DECS housing project in Burien. I don't think downtown Burien is the place to build it and I think there needs to be some positive feedback on the housing projects they have done elsewhere. Twyla Lawrence

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Heather Dumlao

From: CAROL SANDOVAL <[email protected]>Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2021 2:58 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Housing for the homeless


I am writing in support of the proposed DESC housing program in Burien. I volunteer for several agencies in Burien and other South King County communities that serve the homeless and others in need of assistance. Through this work, I am very aware of the needs of Burien residents. Housing people needs to be one of our top priorities. Secure housing will allow us to address other needs more effectively. Carol Sandoval 15828 4th Ave. SW #A Burien, WA 98166

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Heather Dumlao

From: Willhenricus <[email protected]>Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2021 3:15 PMTo: Public - Council Inbox; Brian WilsonSubject: CTTC - Re: Proposed DESC


Ladies & Gentlemen, My wife Yvette and I reside in the wonderful city of Burien. We also own and operate two pre-school Montessori child care centers on 152nd street since 2003. We write to you to voice our concern and express our displeasure to the location of the proposed DESC. How you elected officials could think this will benefit the City of Burien is mind boggling. Have you esteemed ladies and gentlemen walked the streets and observed the homelessness & panhandling? Have you checked the increase in neighborhood burglaries and break-ins ? My front house neighbor was just broken into last week on a Monday morning at 5.30am! The burglars entered the home while the family with two young daughters and a son were sleeping and at home. They drove away in the family car and then torched it at the skateboard park. Do not vote yes on this issue for the sake of all of us in Burien. Deeply concerned, Will & Yvette Henricus

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Heather Dumlao

From: August Hahn <[email protected]>Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2021 1:04 PMTo: Public - Council InboxCc: Brian WilsonSubject: CTTC - DESC participation in the AHDP

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. May 15, 2021 To: Burien City Council Subject: DESC participation in the Affordable Housing Demonstration Program. I have been following the discussion in the community and on the Council about the DESC proposal, and I am saddened by what is happening with the conversation. Many of the arguments against including DESC in the Affordable Housing Demonstration Program (AHDP) are based on rumors and fear, and they fall into many of the pitfalls of decision‐making: • The argument that families are not addressed is one of ‘shooting for the moon’. There is no requirement in the AHDP for any proposal to address only families, or only homeless residents of Burien for that matter; • The argument that the location is not right, is too close to downtown, is the pitfall of ‘decision delay’. Downtown Burien is slated for intense development, and this proposal fits in with that plan. When Merrill Gardens and the Maverick developments were proposed, there was no discussion on whether they would house only Burien residents. There was no complaints about who the tenants of those buildings were going to be, and there was no discussion when the Municipal Lot was sold for another market‐rate development either; • The argument that members of the community are opposed hence the Council should postpone the decision is the pitfall of ‘deafened by decibels’. Just because some community members repeat mis‐statements about what the proposal is, there is proof about what is it not. It is not a treatment center, it is not a mental health facility, it is not a food kitchen. It’s an apartment building with specialized services for its tenants, just like Merrill Gardens. What DESC is proposing does not exist in Burien now, and that is exactly what the AHDP aims to bring to Burien. It is innovative, it is unique, and it is sorely needed here. No, it will not end all homelessness in Burien. No single project can do that. What DESC is proposing is a start, and given DESC’s track record, it will succeed ‐ because the idea of permanent supportive housing succeeds everywhere it happens. It will succeed here as well. It will not succeed if the Council pushes it out of Burien, pushes it somewhere, anywhere else, and then points to it as a failure ‐ when you caused it to fail. The Council should not delay the decision on DESC’s participation any further. DESC deserves fair treatment from the Council based upon the current requirements in the AHDP and not on what was “assumed” to be in the ordinance. If you feel the ordinance is lacking, then you should debate that, but not put unstated requirements in place now because you don’t like the developer. Make your decision based on the ordinance as‐is, and don’t be swayed by public outcry that is based on fear and mistruths. Burien cannot solve the issue of homelessness by looking away and clutching our pearls. It’s time to do the right thing, and move forward with this development. Sincerely, August Hahn Burien Resident

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Heather Dumlao

From: Kris Medchill <[email protected]>Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2021 6:48 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Proposed DESC concern

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. To the Burien City Council, I am writing today to express my deep concern of the location of the proposed DESC in the downtown Burien. Burien has spent years trying to rehabilitate the downtown district. Why set us back more but hurting small businesses? I feel in its current proposed condition, it is not helpful to the people it intends to serve, and will only harm the family and businesses who call Burien home. I strongly oppose the proposed location of DESC. Sincerely, Kristopher Medchill

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Heather Dumlao

From: David Gould <[email protected]>Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2021 8:17 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Proposed DESC project in Burien


Hello, City Council. I am a home owner living in downtown Burien (Burien Town Square), within a few blocks of the proposed location. While sympathetic to the issue, I don’t think downtown Burien is the place for this sort of facility given the fragility of our local business environment. There are already several vacancies and many small businesses are struggling to survive. Downtown Burien is a walkable neighborhood and when homeless or homeless‐like people are sleeping or hanging out on the sidewalks, people stop walking and stop going to restaurants, bars, bakeries, and parks. My condo complex and nearby apartment buildings have had several break‐ins over the last several months as well as other property damage. A 95‐unit DESC complex is not likely to be a community improvement project. Please locate it elsewhere in an environment that is a better and more suitable fit. Thanks for your consideration. ‐ Dr. David Gould 15100 6th Ave, SW, Unit 622 Burien, WA 98166 [email protected] http://www.seanet.com/~daveg @drdavidgould https://www.linkedin.com/in/david‐gould‐156a871/ 206.409.4021 The world is my campus: Digital, mobile, and agile.

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Heather Dumlao

From: Marilyn McAdoo <[email protected]>Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2021 12:54 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. I am a resident of Burien (since 2013) and frequently shop in the core downtown and old town areas in Burien. I have also been a resident of the Seattle area since 1972 and worked in Seattle (Pioneer Square) for more than 40 years. I know firsthand the problem associated with drugs and alcohol and homelessness. We have a homeless crisis in this region and in Burien and a drug abuse crisis. Rather than saying “not in my backyard,” we should explore opportunities to help those who are the most in need. DESC knows how to do that. This would not be there first homeless project and likely will not be there last. I am wholly in support of the DESC project and I hope that the City Council will vote in favor of this project. Marilyn McAdoo 1903 SW Cove Point Rd Burien, WA. 98146 425‐503‐0546

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Heather Dumlao

From: Angela Doell <[email protected]>Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2021 2:30 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - no DESC shelter


Hello Council ‐ As a long time resident and taxpayer of Burien, I strongly oppose a DESC shelter going into our city. If this goes into our town, I will move. It will put my family and children in danger. There is no need for this in Burien, put it downtown Seattle or somewhere else where there aren't young children and elderly residents who are extremely vulnerable. Please vote 'NO' on the shelter! Sincerely, Angela Doell

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Heather Dumlao

From: Elizabeth Akina <[email protected]>Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2021 6:10 PMTo: Public - Council InboxCc: Public - City ClerkSubject: CTTC - RE: Oppose King County DESC shelter in Burien


I have been a Burien resident, home owner and taxpayer for 21 years. I oppose the proposed King County DESC homeless/low income shelter in our downtown core. It will do nothing for the homeless in our community, nor will our city have any say about who the residents will be or from where they come. Allowed drug use will certainly undermine its stated purpose. Additionally, its location will threaten our fragile small business core. If this were to be for our homeless community members, with our input, site selection, design and management, supporting the community by hiring Burien community members, I would be more supportive. Burien will gain little and lose much with this proposal. Thank you, Elizabeth Akina

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Heather Dumlao

From: Adelle Comfort <[email protected]>Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2021 7:00 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC


I believe in this and believe it belongs in the AHDP as recommended by the Planning Commission. Thank you for supporting this for the good of our community.

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Heather Dumlao

From: Vicky Hartley <[email protected]>Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2021 7:43 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESCAttachments: IMG_20210516_185134424.jpg


Dear Council Members: I don't care if you have lived in Burien for 40 years or for 40 minutes, you cannot deny housing to individuals for which they are eligible, simply based on suspicions of what may happen. Isn't that a form of redlining? Many people complain about the unhoused, but offer no viable solutions. When a proven plan is presented, the same people are still complaining. DESC is the proven, success driven plan for offering housing to individuals who will benefit the most. Arguments such as not enough parking only shows that those putting up those arguments do not know the population being served. The majority of the people being served by DESC do not drive. And the employees are given Metro passes. And if people living in DESC are banned from using the parks and other outdoor facilities, other downtown residents shouldn't be able to use those facilities, either. Pretty ludicrous, huh? The DESC housing is only going to benefit Burien and the City's residents. Please vote in support of DESC. Kind regards, Vicky Hartley Boulevard Park

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Heather Dumlao

From: Glen Gaidos <[email protected]>Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2021 9:08 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - RE: proposed DESC vote


Dear Burien City Council, I’m sure you’ve already received plenty of varied opinions either for or against the planned DESC in downtown Burien. It will be a difficult decision, no matter what. I’ve lived in Burien for only about 3 years now, but I consider it home. I’m not writing to convince you one direction or another. I’ve read and heard pros and cons on both sides. The future is always uncertain, regardless of intention. In general, I’m in favor of subsidized and special need long‐term housing for those who struggle with homelessness, mental house challenges, and addiction. Homelessness is not sustainable nor a humane situation for all. I’ve been a small business owner for several decades. If at all possible, it’s better to proceed carefully and take the necessary time to make the right decision. Sometimes a deadline needs to be extended. Diligence needs to be thorough. The final decision‐makers need to have the greatest confidence possible in their decision. Healthy skepticism is just that – healthy. A couple of points to consider.

What other steps will Burien have to take if the proposed DESC apartment building doesn’t help both the population it hopes to serve and the community at large? What remedies or recourse does the City of Burien have in terms of mitigating unforeseen problems? Has anyone solicited neighboring businesses and residences adjacent to other similar DESC locations to get their feedback on the pro and cons in their experience? Learning from others who have lived experience in a similar situation can be invaluable. Will Burien area homeless have priority for long‐term housing, and is that in writing somewhere?

Thanks for reading. Best Regards, Glen Gaidos

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Heather Dumlao

From: Jessica Brase <[email protected]>Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2021 10:37 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. Dear Burien City Council, As a resident of Burien, I am writing to voice my deep concern and opposition to the proposed DESC location in the downtown Burien retail core. Based on my research, and feedback from local business owners, I believe if this were to pass this would have lasting negative consequences for business owners and the city of Burien. I urge the council to vote this down and help put into action alternative solutions that will help the homeless and continue to help our community and local businesses thrive. Jessica Brase

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Heather Dumlao

From: Will Kenner <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 7:55 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - "No" vote on DESC


Burien City Council, I am writing as a concerned citizen and business owner about the proposed DESC homeless/housing shelter that is planned for the Burien downtown core. We can all agree that affordable housing and the homeless situation in our area has become a problem. Unfortunately though, Burien continues to be targeted by outside interest groups as a location for ill‐conceived "solutions" to these problems. The proposed DESC facility is yet another example of this relentless targeting onslaught. With a projected 95 homeless residents, able to freely use and distribute illegal drugs without discretion, this poses a significant health, economic, and safety risk for our community. Any large scale public works project must be carefully planned and substantiated by sound evidence of its feasibility. There is a dearth of scientific evidence showing DESC's approach to managing homelessness and drug addiction is effective. This proposal in fact, amounts to nothing but institutionalized enabling and illegal activity under local government supervision. How specifically will this help improve the lives of these residents when there is no enforcement of rules or law governing their behavior? How will they be able to "pay rent" and live up to the "good neighbor" agreement if they are allowed to be under the influence? The same influence that took them down a path to unemployment and homelessness in the first place. As a healthcare professional, I took an oath to "Do no harm" and to act in the best interests of my patients. That means working to eliminate the etiology of the disease, not fostering the same conditions that lead to the diseased state. The DESC proposal violates this basic core value of health care and does just that, fosters the same detrimental conditions. In addition to the health risks, we must consider the economic ramifications of this proposal. As a source of culture, entertainment, professional services, food, and fun, not to mention employment for many who live in Burien, small businesses make Burien a strong and vibrant city. Small business is also an important source of city revenue desperately needed to fund basic services. Projects like the DESC facility detract from Burien's strength and vibrancy by driving away visitors and customers of its small businesses, and subsequently tax revenues the city depends on. Who will want to shop downtown Burien if the streets are not safe? If there is crime and drug trade? Who will want to invest in opening a business in such an area? We have already seen the devastation that can be brought upon a small business by ineffective management of the homeless with the continued vandalism of Macadons in White Center. This sort of activity is devastating to those hardworking business owners, seemingly left to fend for themselves by city leaders. Our community business owners do not deserve this type of treatment, especially in the wake of the financial impacts they endured during the pandemic. But unfortunately situations like this are becoming more and more common in Burien in part because of the anti‐law enforcement slant taken by King County, compounded by the influx of transients this has allowed. Countless fellow business owners, along with myself, have been repeatedly vandalized by transients. We have been forced to keep vigilant watch over our storefronts so we may continue to be operational from one day to the next. I ask then, if this is what small business must do to operate in Burien now, what will it need to do to survive when it gets worse? Lastly, if the current conditions in Burien are already putting the safety of small business at risk, adding the DESC facility would pose an unfathomable risk to the safety of our neighborhood, its families, and our children. Having been born and raised in Burien, I have fond memories of riding bikes around town, to the baseball card shop on 152nd, walking to Lake

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Burien to fish, and just being a kid in a neighborhood that was safe. If this DESC facility is passed, how are parents today supposed to feel about letting their children do the same in Burien? Do we want our children to have similar wholesome experiences growing up in a safe Burien, or that of a dangerous, drug infested Burien? I support the former. We must not put our children in harms way for the sake of the DESC facility and outside interests. We must not make decisions that risk unspeakable events being done unto our children by these 95 DESC residents. The safety of Burien has already been slowly fading over the years due to poor choices of previous city councils. Whatever shred of safety that remains today will vanish if this city council approves the DESC facility or similar. There are other options for affordable housing and managing homelessness that do not come at the expense of Burien's safety and that of its citizens. We must be evidence based in selecting viable options for our city. We must hold strong against outside interest groups, targeting Burien for their ill‐conceived, self‐serving projects. As a city council member, you agreed to serve the people of this city, and to serve in the best interests of the city. Allowing the passage of the DESC facility is a direct violation of that agreement. Now is the time for this city council to shine, and make the right choices for Burien to ensure its success. I urge you to vote "NO" on the DESC proposal. Respectfully,

William C. Kenner V, DDS Kenner Dental Group 1800 SW 152nd St Seattle, WA 98166 206‐248‐1339 ph 206‐246‐2711 fx

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Heather Dumlao

From: Enzo MORELLA <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 10:23 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC


Burien City Council, I am a life time resident and business owner in the city of Burien. I was born and raised here along with raising my own family in this city which I still currently reside. I started my business in the mid 90’s and still reside and conduct business in the same place we started for close to 30 years The city over the years has become over run with theft, crime, violence, drugs and significant homeless ness problem. As I know we want to assist and help with our current homeless problem we currently face, but I am NOT in favor of the proposed DESC at 801 SW 150th. This would only amplify and cause our problem to get worse. We have all seen the issues that come with enabling this. The city that I was once born in is no longer the city it used to be. It’s not uncommon to see panhandling, crime, vandalism, needles and homeless people sleeping on our city sidewalks and or where ever they can park a vehicle. This has become an unsafe city in which many crimes continue to occur. Housing these people will not solve the problem, but only give them a place to congregate and gather to enable their drug addictions which lead to crimes , vandalism, panhandling and many other issues. These people will be surrounding the very same streets that mine and your family resides and try to raise a family, run our business’s and simply live. Housing these people is NO solution to the problem. This will only create a bigger crime and homelessness problem, leave our city streets that at 1 time I used to safely walk around as a child be a unsafe place. This is depleting Our local law enforcement resources to attend to these types of calls and consume tax dollars in the wrong manner. I request that the city STOP this project and look for an alternative solution to the help this matter. Sincerely, Enzo Morella

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Heather Dumlao

From: Susan Nystrom <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 10:36 AMTo: Public - Council InboxCc: Susan NystromSubject: CTTC - DESC comment from tax paying citizen

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. I live in Burien and am a home owner and tax payer. I strongly oppose the support, building of DESC facility. 1. I do not believe non‐residents of Burien should be given consideration. They do not live here, do not pay taxes, do not vote for Burien, do not participate in consequences of supporting this facility. 2. I do not support allowing open drug addiction to continue. It is not humane. It does not solve the problem. I do not support it financially or morally. 3. Let Seattle deal with the problems their government has developed. Does Burien council hope to lose business, residents, tax money as people who value safety and a vibrant community leave? That appears to be the case with your actions. I request this be included in record ‐ Regards Susan Nystrom, Burien home owner Sent from my iPhone

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Heather Dumlao

From: chestine edgar <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 10:47 AMTo: Public - City Clerk; Megan Gregor; Heather Dumlao; Public - Council Inbox; Jimmy Matta; Nancy

Tosta; Pedro Olguin; Sofia Aragon; Kevin Schilling; Cydney MooreCc: Brian Wilson; Susan McLain; Garmon Newsom IISubject: CTTC - vote no on Resolution 457, DESC demonstration project


Please have the City Clerk read this letter into the record during the Public Comment period of the May 17, 2021 Burien Council meeting. And please place this letter in Correspondence to the Council. **************************** To the Burien City Council, DESC and the Burien City Manager: The vote that is being taken on this Resolution 457, DESC homeless project is about whether to include this project into the status of the five allowed affordable housing demonstration projects. This Resolution No.457 DESC project should not be allowed into this status category because; 1. It is not really a low income housing affordable demonstration project but rather a hybridized model to push forward a homeless service controlled model by KIng County and Seattle for the benefit of Seattle and King County substance addicted and mentally ill homeless. It is conjoined with a clinic and an unproven philosophical treatment model that lacks solid data to support it. It allows and will promote legal and illegal drug use on its site. This will bring increased crime and increase needs for Burien taxpayer funded police and emergency services. DESC is asking that under this special status it be exempt from paying its fair share to develop in the city‐as other developers and businesses must pay. This is not just an affordable housing demonstration model to benefit the Burien Homeless. Contrary to what some council members have said this hybrid model will not come " for free" to Burien residents and businesses. It does not appear to meet the criteria set forth by Pol.HS 1.3, Pol.HS !.35 and Pol.HS 1.10. These DESC housing service centers do not improve the safety of the areas they are placed in Seattle. 2. This project is not for the improvement of Burien or for the safety of Burien residents and its businesses. Safety is the first charge of the City under Washington State law. This DESC project is intended to benefit Seattle and other King County cities so that they can off load their most problematic homeless into Burien. Very few Burien homeless will be served by it. King County will control who lives in this housing at significant expense to Burien taxpayers for many years. Burien has always contributed its fair share to affordable low income housing in the county. Burien has no obligation to serve as the homeless release valve for all of King County and Seattle. This DESC housing will not improve the economic development or the safety for residents, businesses and visitors in the Burien downtown core. It will remove a property that produces tax revenues to sustain the city from the tax rolls while generating added costs to Burien taxpayers long into the future. Do not approve Resolution 457 as one of the five affordable housing demonstration projects. Respectfully, Dr.C.Edgar

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Heather Dumlao

From: Danny Dougan <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 11:55 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Burien DESC Supportive Housing Vote Today


Hi all, As a Burien resident, I highly encourage you to vote in favor of the proposed DESC Supportive Housing project today. DESC has a proven track record of helping stabilize residents in our community who need mental health assistance and basic housing, and DESC's harm reduction strategy has been proven to be a successful model. Housing is a basic human right that all individuals deserve, and voting yes to move forward with this project will show that we as a community care enough about our citizens to give them that basic right. Thank you all and have a great rest of your day. ‐‐Danny Dougan

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Heather Dumlao

From: Amy Kangas <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 11:58 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Burien DESC Vote Today


Hello, As a Burien resident concerned about housing and homelessness, I highly encourage you to vote in favor of the proposed DESC Supportive Housing project today. DESC has a proven track record of helping stabilize individuals in our community who need mental health support and basic housing, and DESC's harm reduction strategy has been proven to be a successful model. While I understand that some residents might be concerned about safety as a result of having this kind of housing in our community, I believe it is far more important to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our society have a safe and stable place to call home. Furthermore, by providing this kind of stability through permanent supportive housing, studies have shown that jail and hospital stays decrease, saving taxpayer dollars and ultimately creating a higher degree of public safety. Housing is a basic human right that all individuals deserve, and voting yes to move forward with this project will show that we as a community care enough about our citizens to give them that basic right. Sincerely, Amy Kangas

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Heather Dumlao

From: chestine edgar <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 12:18 PMTo: Megan Gregor; Heather Dumlao; Sofia Aragon; Public - Council Inbox; Jimmy Matta; Nancy Tosta;

Pedro Olguin; Kevin Schilling; Cydney MooreCc: Brian Wilson; Garmon Newsom IISubject: CTTC - comments for the TIP public hearing


Please place this letter into Correspondence to the Council and place it on the Public Hearing Record as comments on the TIP for 2022‐2027. To the Burien City Council; The Cascade Bicycle Club has certainly done a great job of propagandizing the need for bicycle lanes in Burien, King County and the State of WA. Politicians have verbally bought into their bicycle lane campaigns but in reality few of them regularly ride bikes to work,etc. However, the club has been unable to convince WA. residents and its own club members to use their bicycles as a major source of transportation. Many club members only ride their bikes on fair weather days and use their cars all of the rest of the time. They openly admit this. When I served on the Burien TIP committee, the Cascade Bicycle Club would always have a few of their members come to the meeting and push for more bike lanes. At one point in time, the TIP committee prioritized which roads would be the safe and preferred bike routes in the city. The intent was not to spend scarce resources on putting bike lanes on all of the roads and to keep cyclists off of the most dangerous roads via alternate routes to work and business locations. As I looked over the list of TIP projects in this new plan, I was astonished at all of the new bike routes that the city is putting in. Some of the bike lanes are being put in on very busy auto and bus routes. I question the safety of those lanes and the poor use of scarce public resources. Burien has very few regular daily cyclists. This could certainly be again checked by a community survey of bikers observed in the city‐during all seasons.. I live along a street that has bike lanes and they are infrequently used on a daily basis. Secondly, I was also surprised at the number of projects planned for 1st Ave. I question if Seattle Light users are again going to be strapped with additional fees to fund these projects? Seattle City Light users are already being forced to pay added fees for 1st Ave. that other Burien residents are not being required to pay while they also use 1st Ave. The costs for these 1st. Ave. projects should be fairly shared across the city regardless of who is your utility provider. The TIP plan does not discuss this funding issue. Respectfully, Dr.C.Edgar .

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Heather Dumlao

From: Debi Wagner <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 12:24 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC


Hello All: Please include this letter into correspondence to council (CTTC). I know you may be voting to approve the DESC plan for Burien and wanted to again state for the record that I am opposed to this type of land use in downtown. I think this city has plenty of challenges and should not add more burdens to our city. I remember when the county and cities came together to formulate a plan to end homelessness. Since that time some years ago, a lot of money has been spent, programs have been started, and the homelessness problem continues to grow. This is an indication that the programs and plans have not worked or there are other problems contributing to homelessness that are not being addressed. Is housing first the right approach? A recent expose on Housing First was put together and a video created which shows how expensive and ineffective this approach can be. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=chris+rufo+video+on+housing+first&view=detail&mid=0B47CEDD3642BCAA24980B47CEDD3642BCAA2498&FORM=VIRE&PC=HCTS&cc=US&setlang=en‐US&PC=HCTS&cvid=95c807cf237d47f1a8c579d04a0f659d&qs=SW&nclid=7D3F4CEDF76E566D61AA6C5B1789A676&ts=1621278946891 Thank you, Debi Wagner

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Heather Dumlao

From: Andrea Pollock Wood <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 12:34 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC Opposition Letter


To Whom it may concern, I am writing this letter to express my concern and objection over the DESC Burien Supportive Housing Complex to be granted. I have been a resident in this community my entire life and have been a small business owner of two small businesses for over 25 years. I currently own and operate a business that is solely owned and operated by women. I also am a single parent living at home with a teenage daughter and son. Burien has been a community that I have not only grown up in, built my business in, raised and sent my children to school in but it is also a place that I have participated in community events, have won awards, and have engaged in civic and social responsibility and have given back to my community through my work, my church both professionally and personally. Over recent years, I have had mail in my locked mailbox stolen countless times, my locked car was broken into in my locked garage, the back yard of my office has been contaminated with human waste and debris many times,while waiting in line recently at a local restaurant a mother with a young child was verbally harassed. We leave our lights on at my building as my staff is fearful to leave or come in with no lights on as it is female only staff. This causes excess power bills for my office. My visiting fathers’ car has been broken into three times in my driveway. My point being that the increase in crime in our area has significantly escalated in recent years. I no longer feel safe in the community I call home. I am curious as to the reasons why the City of Burien would encourage the development of DESC’s supporting Housing Complex right next to a vibrant local community that has worked so hard over the past 10 years to grow into a lively well developed family neighborhood with local businesses that encourange familly and a neighborhood feel. From Farmers markets to main streets I hardly believe that the proxmity of a supportive housing complex 3 blocks away would be the best location for this. While I do believe that there are avenues for social services, this is not it. I have long been an advocate for my community and already am feeling vulnerable due to the decline of the state of our city. This could be the straw that breaks the camels back for many local businesses, familles and tax payers in the community as they have had enough. If it is in the best interest of the city council to be inclusive of a safe neighborhood and continue to help Burien maintain both a vibrant business and socially responsible CItyn Plan now and in the future. However, throwing this development into this mix I feel will have a severe negative impact on our comunity. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Andrea Pollock Wood

Agency Owner

Pollock Insurance, Inc.

Providing outstanding service since 1948! | Auto | Home |

Business | Umbrella | Renters

Proudly Representing; Safeco, Travelers, Nationwide, Mutual of

Enumclaw, Progressive, Hagerty, GeoVera and many more!

206-244-3566 | Office 425-242-5338 | Direct 206-246-3606 | Fax

andreapw@pollockinsuran

www.pollockinsurance.com

654 S. 152nd Street, Seatt98148

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Heather Dumlao

From: Patty Kvinge <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 12:42 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC -


Good Afternoon I'm writing in to give support for the DESC. Don't listen to the alarmists! They thought LEAD would be a failure too. They are only doom Sayers. We need to take care of the least (?) among us! Patty Kvinge 98146

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Heather Dumlao

From: Benjamin Miksch <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 12:48 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Support for Resolution No. 457 - Let's Welcome DESC!


Dear esteemed members of the Burien City Council, I am writing to you today to express my strong support for the planned development of a permanent supportive housing project by DESC in downtown Burien. I think I may have a bit of a unique perspective on this issue. I have been working in the housing and homelessness space for over a decade, going from working on federal policy as part of Senator Cantwell's DC policy office to working for the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, to my current work for one of WA's Medicaid Managed Care Organizations where I help build bridges between the health care and homelessness worlds. I also serve on a few related boards (the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness, the Third Door Coalition, and the new King County Regional Homelessness Authority's Advisory Committee). But I'm also local. I graduated from Highline High School, class of '03. My first job was at the Taco Time a block and a half away from where the project is slated. My first apartment after high school was technically in Olympia, but I was only there for about four months for one Legislative Session ‐ my first real apartment was in the Lake Burien Apartments. I did move away for some years, going to DC and living in Seattle for awhile ‐ but a few years ago I was officially able to come back home when my wife and I bought our first home together right on the border of Des Moines and Burien, just a few minutes away from where my parents still live. As both a professional who has done this work for a long time, and as a local who is interested in what's best for my community, I can tell you that greenlighting this project is absolutely the right choice for Burien. A few years ago, I sat down for coffee with the parents of one of my high school friends to talk about the growing visible homelessness they were seeing in Burien. We spoke for over an hour, and they shared with me a lot of difficult situations they'd encountered about people with untreated mental illness yelling at them outside of a grocery store, or scaring their daughters at the library, all kinds of things. At the end though, the conversation really boiled down to one question: "What do we do about homelessness in our community?" And while it's true that homelessness stems from an incredibly complex set of interrelated issues, and that some of the nuances of the policies and responses can be overwhelming, the actual answer to that question isn't that complicated at all. What we do about homelessness? We provide housing. And for people with more complicated needs, we add integrated services to that housing. Supportive housing provides people with a foundation that they can rebuild their lives on. It gives people a place to regain their dignity and composure, and to help connect them with primary care and behavioral health services. It gives people a safe place to be that isn't outdoors. And it helps people rebuild their lives. Not only is supportive housing exactly what we need in our community to support our unhoused neighbors, it is hard to imagine a better partner than DESC. From my vantage point, having worked in this field at the local, county, state, and national levels, and having interacted with hundreds of housing organizations all throughout the country, I can tell you that there is a reason that DESC is widely recognized nationally and even internationally as one of the premier organizations doing this work. Their reputation for excellence in service and the successes they have demonstrated

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serving some of the most complex and vulnerable people in our community is unparalleled. I know also that DESC takes very seriously their position as ambassadors for the very concept of supportive housing, and that they put an incredible amount of work into partnering with the communities that they site their projects in. They prioritize being a good neighbor, and I know that they will continue that work and will be a great addition to the neighborhood. I am confident that all of you will think very carefully about what this project could mean for our community, and I am very hopeful that your considerations lead you into deciding to vote in favor of moving forward with this project. Thank you for your time. ‐‐Ben Miksch

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Heather Dumlao

From: Melissa Margain <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 12:58 PMSubject: Fwd: Final 24 Hours for MVA Supply Drop!Attachments: SEA Supply Drop Tour Social Media Graphic FB (1).png


Good afternoon, I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to remind everyone that today is the last day to register for the Minority Veterans of America Seattle Supply Drop. Please share the attached flyer w/ registration link to your Veterans who may be in need of support. Who is eligible? All Veterans living in King County. If you have Veteran clients who want to participate but are experiencing transportation insecurity or who may have mobility issues please have them register and notate that on the registration or email [email protected] so that we can coordinate deliveries or other options to get items to them. If you are a service provider and Identify as a Veteran living in King County you are also eligible and I encourage you to apply for support as well. Register Here: SEA ‐ Supply Drop Sign Up (google.com)

‐‐

Melissa Margain

(She/Her) Seattle Program Director Minority Veterans of America m: Phone # 415-326-3918 e: [email protected] w: minorityvets.org

To help protect you r privacy, Micro so ft Office prevented au tomatic download of this pictu re from the Internet.



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Heather Dumlao

From: Mary Ellen Armbrust <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 1:54 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - find another location for DESC


Good afternoon,

I am a resident of Burien, I work in Burien and my child attends school in this community. My family loves the diversity, the walkability, the "small town" feel, the amazing shops and restaurants and so much more that make living here a remarkable home.

We are deeply concerned and opposed to the current chosen location for DESC to build the property for individuals with behavioral health issues and substance abuse issues. The location would be better suited next to a mental health and drug abuse center or medical facility that is trained and equipped with understanding and assisting these individuals. I do believe Burien can accommodate a center, but not in our downtown core. Please reconsider where to develop this site.

What are the other options?

Kind regards,

Mary Ellen Armbrust

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Heather Dumlao

From: Kate Richardson <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 3:53 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - Welcoming DESC


Dear City Council, It is heartwarming to think we may soon have an affordable housing demonstration project which not only helps some of the most severely neglected people to move from alleys, parking garages and doorways to healthy living spaces but also will be, arguably, the gold standard in building structures that models what we need as the climate emergency descends with ever greater severity. With greatly improved HVAC system and garden with trees, among other features, this project will underline our commitment to a more environmentally resilient community which doesn't leave out the least privileged among us. Let me thank you in advance for taking this major step for Burien. Best Regards, Kate Richardson, 16414 12th Ave SW. PS This letter is available to be read at tonight's council meeting. Thanks.

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Heather Dumlao

From: Patty Janssen <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 5:25 PMTo: Public - Council Inbox; [email protected]; Brian Wilson; Garmon Newsom IISubject: CTTC -


Please have the city clerk read this correspondence during public comment and make it public record. Also place it as correspondence to the council. We are not a relief valve for King County's homeless problem, the county and city of Seattle have spent increasingly more money on the problem and it's only gotten worse. Tonight the council will vote on Resolution 457, DESC homeless project, our city can't afford the resources that this type of facility will require and the citizens DON'T want it here. Remember the paramount responsibility as an elected official is the safety of the citizens, this will in now way make our community safer. It's an election year for 4 Burien City Council seats‐ Vote NO on this resolution Regards Patty Janssen

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Heather Dumlao

From: Kathy Hazen <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 10:25 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - You must be kidding!!

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Burien. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and have verified the contents are safe. Where were some of you tonight??? You didn’t hear the public comments? The public has been out there talking for quite a while! I do not see all of your correspondence, but I’ve been attending the public meetings and the majority support DESC. AND I have been to the DESC public meetings. WE’VE HAD PUBLIC MEETINGS!!! Thank you Deputy Mayor Marx and Council Members Moore and Olguin for listening and supporting the most vulnerable in our community. I appreciate you very much. Most sincerely, Kathy Hazen Burien, WA 98148 Sent from my iPhone

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Heather Dumlao

From: David Feinberg <[email protected]>Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 6:13 PMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC, I want to register my incredible disappointment with the council last night for the

council's inability to come to consensus


Hello my friends on the Burien City Council, Subject: DESC, I want to register my incredible disappointment with the council last night for the council's inability to come to consensus. We are beginning to see this become an unproductive pattern that is now a repeating pattern. The difficulty or contentiousness of the DESC issue ceases to be the problem. The real problem is the dysfunctional Burien City Council dynamic, where your inability to reach consensus (or vote) on a difficult issue is now driving the agenda. What I saw last night was: 1. Indecisiveness when there has been adequate time to prepare and adequate time to figure out how to reach consensus. 2. A minority viewpoint, sway the majority and prevent a vote The problem is not with the DESC, The problem is, the longer this issue is dragged out the less likely it is to happen in a way that is positive for the city of Burien. We elected you to make hard decisions and to get on with the business of governing. If you cannot see that you’re in a destructive spiral, please review the video of last nights council meetings. We need a vote, Mayor Matta, you are in charge of the council and you are in charge of when a vote is taken, I’m asking you to step up to the leadership role that you have accepted please help the council make a decision. Show me I was right to vote for you. For the record, I support the DESC. I think it will be a huge plus for the city of Burien. We have heard testimony on how it can and does improve people‘s lives. While I am sensitive to the business owners and citizens concerns, I heard a lot more reasons in public testimony in favor of the DESC versus the largely unsupported fears I have heard against it. In closing, It is my believe the DESC will be a net positive for the city of Burien. In the spirit of community, David Feinberg CEO | Founder PURE Juicer Company [email protected] | www.purejuicer.com

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Proud Resident of Boulevard Park Home of the Nine Lifetime Stairs of Southern Heights Park

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Heather Dumlao

From: Jen Powell <[email protected]>Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 9:36 AMTo: Public - Council InboxSubject: CTTC - DESC


Hello City Council Members & Mayor Matta,

It seriously breaks my heart and infuriates me when people who have the power to help those who lack basic essentials refuse to do so. Every day that you go to your warm home with plenty of food in the cupboards is another day your homeless constituents and neighbors are living on the streets without enough to eat. Please think about that as you drag your feet on voting to approve the DESC project that has already received an abundance of community support.

Permanent affordable housing has been the crucial missing element in the solution to our homeless crisis in the greater King County area (including the suburb of Burien). This has been said by politicians, the media and citizens for years. So when an organization offers this gift to our city and our disadvantaged neighbors at no cost to the city, I'm speechless that we're not falling over ourselves to make this happen as soon as possible. A compassionate city that cares for its people and environment will attract businesses, which should make up for any tax revenue you fear losing. Please stop putting money in front of people.

I have been trying to work toward temporary housing, and have felt such a major push‐back from you, partly because there are no permanent affordable housing options for those who would benefit from any sort of housing. So why, when this barrier can be removed, are you still fighting against helping people who have so much less than you do? It shows an extreme lack of care and consideration for people you're supposed to be representing.

Ignoring the homelessness problem will not make it disappear.

Refusing to help the people who live in your city will not make them move on (mostly because they don't have the means to do so).

And lording your power and authority over them with no intention of moving toward a solution is despicable.

People talk about healthcare being a universal human right, but of far greater importance: people need shelter. This is a basic need. Denial of this using obvious NIMBY arguments is ridiculous. Denying this, Council Member Aragon, because other homeless people from outside Burien might also have a place to live is shameful, particularly since Burien has been shipping our homeless residents to surrounding cities for years. If you insist on locating marginalized and disadvantaged people into commercial areas and/or areas with already high crime rates, you are essentially proving your point with a problem you're creating. The proposed DESC location is close to residential neighborhoods, which helps make people who would benefit from the shelter and services feel less like outcasts and burdens, incentivizing them to become productive and contributory members of society. Don't perpetuate the problem with restrictions on helping people who desperately need help. Whether they come from the cities of Burien or Seattle or Renton or Federal Way, they are people whom you are preventing from having a place to live.

Thank you Deputy Mayor Marx, Council Member Moore, and Council Member Olguin, for having the compassion to try to make a difference and fighting for those who don't have a voice or resources.

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Council Member Schilling, until you implement a solution, how do you expect to "demonstrate permanent supportive housing in Burien" or "discuss the possibility of permanent supportive housing being included in Burien's vision" or find a way to "make it feasible in our community"? If there are "better ways of doing this, especially in regard to community engagement and possible offering of suggestions for changes that can better demonstrate the opportunity for permanent supportive housing in Burien, especially in this AMI range" (which you point out that 20% of residents in this city live within), why are you not suggesting them? Why has this taken over a month since the original date to vote for this to get to the point where you're just now bringing this up?

Mayor Matta, if there are "34 questions we haven't received any responses to ‐ council's gotten responses to them, but not the community," why have you not shared that information with the community in a proactive manner or even address them in Monday's meeting? Why didn't you suggest sharing this information with your constituents at any time over the last month since you first put this decision off? If you have the answers to these pressing questions that are stalling your decision to help PEOPLE get HOUSING, share that information online, in your council meetings, through the media, face‐to‐face with people, or however else you can. Then the misinformation mentioned by several Council Members can be cleared up. If people miss your disclosing this information now, they're also going to miss you announcing some public hearing. Right now, it seems like the majority of your voting public support this, apparently even without these 34 critical questions answered.

Council Member Tosta, you argue that we should be "working more cooperatively, more collaboratively with DESC" and it should be us doing this together with DESC and "not them coming in and saying 'We're doing this where we want to do it.'" However, their proposed location isn't requiring special zoning or permission. If you haven't been cooperative and collaborative with them so far, why in the world not?

I am quite appalled and completely bewildered by the actions of this Council at last Monday's meeting. Please reconsider and do the right thing as soon as possible. Please do not drag your feet and procrastinate on this until June 21. If you need answers, be proactive and get answers. If you need yet another meeting to tell the public some burning, critical piece of missing information, make it happen. If you need to start thinking about the people who would be helped by the DESC proposal AS PEOPLE, I strongly urge you to start doing that now.

I appreciate your time.

Jenifer Powell Burien resident

Documents

CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNCIL Table of Contents May 12