Concerns About DESC, Seattle Department of Planning and Development: Manipulation of Land Use Code to Site Jail Diversion Facility in Jackson Place Neighborhood

Online, January 21, 2011 (Newswire.com) - SEATTLE, Washington - On Nov. 9th, 2010 the DESC held a public meeting at the Giddens School to inform the Jackson Place community they would be siting a new program called the Crisis Solutions Center on South Lane Street. As reported by the Central District News on Nov. 10th, "Bill Hobson, Director of the DESC, said the building is not in a residential zone, but rather it is zoned commercial." Mr. Hobson referred to it as "an 'edge' zone, meaning property on one side of it is residential while the other side is commercial. The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) determined that the Crisis Solutions Center is an appropriate use of the space."

Public records obtained by the Jackson Place Alliance for Equity (JPAE) show the DPD has been working with the DESC since July 2010 to help the DESC classify the Crisis Solutions Center as a hospital instead of a jail or work release facility to avoid a lengthy permit and public comments process. According to land use codes, a hospital would be considered a permissible use at 1600 and 1618 South Lane Street. However documents reveal the Crisis Solutions Center is not a hospital, but rather it is similar to incarceration uses, which are not permissible under the Land Use Code for siting at the 1600 and 1618 South Lane address. If proper processes were followed, the Crisis Solutions Center will not be permitted for siting without notice to the public and a full, transparent, public review process.

The Crisis Solutions Center has been endorsed by City elected officials, including the Executive, Council members, and the City Attorney. Public records reveal emails sent by City elected officials and the DESC enlisting the DPD in facilitating quick approval and construction without public review.

Even worthwhile programs carried out by worthy agencies, endorsements by elected officials, and intentions to serve particular populations are not bases for cutting corners on the Land Use Code. The DPD is not only violating its own Land Use Code, but also the civil rights of the Jackson Place community on which the use would be imposed.

As a result, the JPAE has filed a Land Use Request for Interpretation Request with the DPD concerning DESC's proposed development of the Crisis Solutions Center at 1600 and 1618 South Lane Street. The JPAE is committed to seeking a fair and transparent review of the Land Use Code and permissible use at 1600 and 1618 South Lane Street.

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For more information about the Jackson Place Alliance for Equity (JPAE), please visit www.jpae.org.

About the Jackson Place Alliance for Equity
The Jackson Place Alliance for Equity (JPAE) is an organized neighborhood group focused on addressing concerns about siting the DESC's Crisis Solutions Center at 1600 and 1618 South Lane Street, located in the Jackson Place Community of Central Seattle.

Media contact: Kristin Wall
[email protected]