Proposed Homeless Shelter at the La Quinta Hotel in Kirkland

Dear Mayor Sweet, Kirkland Council Members and Kirkland Planning Commission Members

We are Kirkland residents, business owners, workers, teachers, parents of children attending schools in Kirkland and stakeholders.  We would like to share the following thoughts with you regarding the proposed homeless shelter at the La Quinta Hotel in Kirkland and future homeless shelters in Kirkland.

1. We recognize that the homeless crisis is a problem that we all need to work together to solve and acknowledge that locating a shelter for homeless can be difficult and controversial.

2. We strongly feel that any location must be a safe location for the community and understand that under State law (HB 1220) Cities are required to allow homeless shelters but have the authority and ability to determine “reasonable standards to protect public health and safety”.

3. Our children are our most precious resource and it is our obligation and the obligation of the city to ensure their health and safety

4. The City of Kirkland thoughtfully and responsibly in its zoning code stipulates “safe distance requirements” and buffers between many uses.  This takes the form of buffers between homes and between residential and commercial uses and by stipulating safe distance requirements between uses that might have an impact on our children.  For example, Adult Entertainment facilities are not allowed within 1,500’ of schools and Marijuana retailers are not allowed within 1,000’ of child care facilities.

5. King County is currently proposing a shelter location at the La Quinta Hotel that is adjacent to Eastside Preparatory School and very close to Chestnut Montessori School, Yarrow Bay KinderCare and Cedar Crest Academy.   No other King County Shelter is that close to a school. 

6. We encourage you our city leaders to impose reasonable regulations on any homeless shelter located in Kirkland including a “safe distance” or buffer from schools and child care facilities of not less than 500’ to 1,000’

7. We also encourage you our city leaders to have an open, transparent public dialogue on this subject so that any proposed location can be carefully vetted and all stakeholders have ample opportunity to provide feedback before its approval

We want to help the homeless but please keep our Kids Safe!   Put a safe buffer between shelters and schools in Kirkland