2016-05-03-minutes-commissioners-agenda

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05/03/2016 MINUTES 6 purchase of Shady Acres is what he read in the newspaper. He walks a lot through their mobile home park and notices how nicely kept the properties are. He asked the Commissioners to reconsider options regarding the purchase which would allow the residents to continue to live there in their community. Lisa Norris said she was against the eviction and from what she’s heard the Shady Brook area is a great neighborhood and community in fact she would propose expanding the community. She would be in favor of increasing taxes to keep people there. Yasmin Ibbara said she was against the eviction of the residents. She had lived there for 9 years and was concerned with what would happen to the children and older residents who have lived there for many years. She understood the County was not trying to hurt them, but she did not know where everyone would go because there is not any other place around the area which is similar in price as to what they are currently paying. Meghan Johnson said she was a Central Washington University student majoring in Public Health. She felt it was wrong to evict the current residents in order to place 45 RV spaces in that location. She said families need to feel safe and she was concerned for the children who live in their community. Commissioner Jewell thanked everyone for attending the meeting. He wanted everyone to know that what was printed in the newspaper and social media is not factual. He addressed various issues and said he and the Public Health Administrator had hand delivered letters last night (in English and Spanish) with information clarifying what was happening now and into the future. He said the County is aware of the shortage of low income housing and has been working on it for several years. It is the County’s intent to find solutions for problems prior to any closure of the park and be sure that all are aware of future meetings regarding the issues and decisions. Commissioner Jewell dispelled rumors that the owner was forced to sell his land to the County. The owner approached the County over a year ago to see if they were interested in purchasing it as it was a part of the long range plan for the Fairgrounds from over a couple of decades ago. There was an extensive public process done and was not a plan made over night. He also clarified that the Event Center facility is used all year and the expansion for RV parking would be used for various events as there is not enough space currently. Commissioner Osiadacz said she was new to her position and was learning more about what was going on within the County. She said as a public servant she appreciated receiving feedback from the citizens and recognized there are sometimes hard decisions that need to be made. She indicated she cared about the families in the Shady Brook community.