Resolution 4168 - Laserfiche WebLink

II. FINDINGS RELATING TO THE NEED OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD, DISTRICT, OR CITY FOR THE PROPOSED SPECIAL PROPERTY USE 6. The proposed project provides services to juveniles who are under the jurisdiction of JRA. The intent of the project is to reintroduce those juveniles who are from Snohomish County and the City of Everett into the mainstream of society. The juveniles who will be at the facility are currently housed in State of Washington institutions and residential programs. Rather than releasing them directly into society without supervision or control, the JRA has contracted with the Applicant, and other similar organizations, to provide housing, social services, educational opportunities, etc. for a more effective transition from the incarcerated state to freedom. 7. JRA identifies the number of individuals in this program and quantifies the "beds" needed. Currently, in the State of Washington there are approximately 200 placement beds. However, only six of the beds are in Snohomish County and none is located in the City of Everett. This is a disproportionate percentage (approximately 3%) from the number of qualified juvenile offenders in the State and those from Snohomish County. Prior to any commitment into the facility, JRA assesses the risks, including but not limited to, looking at the offense history of the juvenile and determining if there is any substance abuse. Based on this "risk" evaluation, the juvenile may be, or not be, placed in the facility. The risk status must be considered low in order for there to be a community placement. 8. In 1994, 47% of the juvenile commitments from Snohomish County were from the City of Everett; this percentage is similar to the seven-year period from 1988 to 1994 (44%). Although the City of Everett contributed to the juvenile inmate population, no transitional housing was available in the City of Everett during this period. The proposed facility would remedy this deficiency. 9. The Applicant submitted that it has selected the subject property as the location of the facility because it has amenities that are compatible with the proposed program. Those include: the location in a non-residential zone (C-1); easy accessibility to public transportation; adjacent to, or close to, potential work opportunities; close proximity to schools and other community service agencies, including the JRA offices; a building that is large enough to accommodate interior program needs, including individual rooms, space for educational purposes, group and counseling areas; exterior needs for parking and recreation; and, the site is unobtrusive and not disruptive to any existing uses. 6