Kira Erickson reports from Commissioner Melanie Bacon’s community meeting of Jun. 16, 2022.
A proposed transitional housing project in Freeland that comes at the expense of the area’s only motel has been causing quite the buzz lately.
Community members are also worried about the ensuing impact to the neighborhood, which is zoned as a business district.
They Said It
“People are worried that this project is going to bring drug use and criminals to Freeland,” [Island County Commissioner Melanie] Bacon said.
“The fact is, the applicants for staying there will be screened through Island County Human Services,” Bacon said. “This is not an overnight shelter for homeless, transient kinds of individuals.”
At the same time, Bacon said she has heard people voicing a variety of valid concerns, such as issues with the area’s zoning and septic capability, although the number of people in the building will essentially be the same.
“I want to be able to serve these people in need who just need a little bit of extra help,” she said. “I think a lot of people can relate to that.”
On The Ballot in August 2022
| County Commissioner, District 3 Tim Hazelo (R-Oak Harbor) Janet St. Clair (D-Camano Island), the incumbent Rick Hannold (R-Oak Harbor) |
| Assessor Kelly Mauck (R) Theodore Kubusiak (no party preference) Incumbent Bernie Upchurch did not file for re-election |
| Auditor Sheilah Crider (R), the incumbent Barbara Fuller (D) |
| Clerk Deirdre Butler (no party preference) Debra Van Pelt (D), the incumbent |
| Coroner Shantel Porter (I) Incumbent Robert Bishop did not file for re-election |
| Prosecutor Greg Banks (no party preference), the incumbent |
| Sheriff Rick Felici (R), the incumbent Lane Campbell (R) |
| Treasurer Richard MacQuarrie (R) Tony Lam (D) Incumbent Wanda Grone did not file for re-election |
