Halfway to Where?

Update: Read a little more from The News Tribune

We’ve heard in the past about concerns from some in Tacoma over the potential (or actual) location of housing for ex-cons in their neighborhoods. The conversation is very current for some neighbors in Central Tacoma.

KOMO News and Q13 both reported yesterday that tensions between neighbors and a property owner who plans to open a half way house boiled over last night. The Second Chances home would house 5 to 10 residents, some of whom could be sex offenders. When angry neighbors confronted the property owner last night, the conversation escalated to the point where police were called (one woman may or may not have drawn a gun).

No one likes the idea of living next door to a house full of ex-cons and/or sex offenders, but they have to live somewhere. The recent discussion of zoning for medical cannabis facilities has illustrated how quickly allowable areas shrink with every additional “sensitive use” like schools, parks, churches, etc. What’s a city to do?

Back in February concerned residents of the Hilltop showed up at Citizens’ Forum, requesting that the City Council find a way to address their concerns over a similar facility to the newest site of contention. We didn’t hear the outcome of that situation, but we may be hearing more about this most recent kerfuffle; KOMO reports that the neighborhood residents plan to take their concerns to City Council. Citizens’ Forum is on July 10th. The Second Chances halfway house project leader says they have their permits in order, and could be open in three weeks …