WA lawmakers failed to act on sex offender homes. West Richland has a plan
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- West Richland to propose zoning change to place such facilities in light industrial zones.
- Planning commission hearing Feb. 12; written comments due by 3 p.m. Thursday.
- Proposal aims to reduce impacts while aligning with WA state and county rules.
While Kennewick residents and local lawmakers continue to try and halt a proposed transitional home for sexually violent predators, one nearby city isn’t waiting until they face the same issue.
West Richland’s planning commission plans a public hearing Thursday on changing city zoning to force any future “secure transition facilities” into light industrial zones.
The move comes after all eight bills proposed by Tri-Cities lawmakers this legislative session failed to gain any traction in Olympia last week.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in the city council chambers at 3100 Belmont Blvd.
The public also can attend online via Zoom, though in-person comments will be heard first. Written comments can be submitted to planner@westrichland.org by 3 p.m. Thursday, and will be read into the record.
Kennewick controversy
The proposed placement of a less restrictive alternative, or LRA, home for sexually violent predators in a residential Kennewick neighborhood ignited a firestorm last month.
It led to hundreds turning out at community meetings and citizens placing signs in the area pointing out the home at 5304 W. Eighth Ave., on the corner of Edison Street.
Neighbors have pushed back, urging Kennewick leaders and local lawmakers to try and put a stop to the proposed transition home for residents leaving McNeil Island, a state run civil commitment facility for dangerous sex offenders.
Community members say the location puts children in danger, with two schools within walking distance and hundreds of homes nearby.
Where would West Richland allow the homes?
West Richland’s plan could greatly reduce the ability to place a sex offender home in the city. State laws prevent cities from outright barring the homes.
There are three main areas with the light industrial designation currently. Both are on the outskirts of the city, according to the city’s zoning maps.
One is between Keene Road and Kennedy Road on South 47th Avenue. There are mostly businesses, small farms and large lots around it.
The other is northwest of Keene and Van Giesen Street. It starts past the fire station and is mostly south of Paradise Way within city limits. The northernmost lots are already developed or owned by Red Mountain Center and Ranchland Homes. There are also two wineries in the zone.
The third area is in a small triangular strip between West Van Giesen, Grosscup Boulevard and Canal Drive. That area is completely used by businesses.
The meeting’s agenda says that Mayor Fred Brink and city staff believe the change will not run afoul of state laws on placement of the facilities.
The intent is to “address a growing uneasiness among the general public in Tri-Cities” while remaining consistent with Benton County’s rules and other guidelines the city must follow for the facilities.
“Given recent local events the Mayor and city staff feel it appropriate to establish a definition and allowance for this use as required by state law,” planning staff wrote.
“Staff believes that the ordinance as proposed would reduce the impacts of these facilities to the community, require public notice for the placement of a facility and public process, while providing work and transportation options for those using these types of facilities.”
The next step in the process will be a second reading at a future city council meeting, followed by a vote at a meeting after that.
