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based on data. He reviewed medical literature that indicated a certain percentage of patients fail <br /> treatment, and will continue to use and inject illicit street drugs. He supported the City's efforts to be <br /> compliant with Federal law but he didn't support the siting of a facility in the CBD. <br /> Melissa Springer, Hampton Inn General Manager, asked Planning Commission to do their due diligence <br /> in considering what is best for the City. She stated that she wasn't against opioid treatment facilities; <br /> however,she didn't support an option that would allow opioid treatment facilities in the downtown <br /> core. She stated that the facility should locate in an area where it can grow,where parking is not a <br /> problem, and where loitering is not a problem. Currently,that is a problem around her downtown <br /> business. <br /> Paula Townsell, 211 Capri Place,thanked the Planning Commission for continuing the public hearing <br /> until there was a legal opinion on the issue of discrimination against a protected class of residents. She <br /> asked Commission to consider the right of all clinics to locate in the appropriate zones throughout the <br /> City. As a participant in the Evergreen Way Stakeholders Alliance Group, she stated that Evergreen Way <br /> experiences significant impacts from social services and medical providers. There are existing plans to <br /> locate low barrier housing on Berkshire and the psychiatric beds facility on Evergreen Way. She stated <br /> that the downtown wasn't the only area impacted by social services. She encouraged Planning <br /> Commission to allow medical clinics whether dental,optical, women's reproductive health,or an opiate <br /> treatment facility to locate according to their business models, need projections,their budgets, and <br /> their space availability. The medical professionals understand their needs. She asked Commission to <br /> remove the barriers that currently exist. <br /> Christopher Glans, 211 Capri Place, stated that there is research showing that opiate substitution <br /> treatment facilities work. He added that opiate substitution treatment has been researched, <br /> investigated, peer reviewed,and scientifically proven to be effective,valuable, and a beneficial form of <br /> treatment. There is no evidence anywhere in the literature that demonstrates a neighborhood impact. <br /> If members of the community want to effect change,then an opiate substitution treatment facility <br /> should be allowed as any other medical facility. <br /> Debbie Warfield, 640 Alverson,stated her family suffered a loss due to the lack of medical care because <br /> of the stigma associated with addiction. She stated that there is an opioid epidemic nationwide. There <br /> should be treatment on demand with no barriers. She stated that as a City, we must remove the stigma <br /> and shame that is associated with this addiction. This stigma is killing those affected. The science is <br /> clear. Zero tolerance drug policies don't work. Harm reduction methods like medication assisted <br /> treatment works. She supported the addition of another opioid substitution clinic in an area that will be <br /> beneficial for all parties. <br /> Sydney Marshall, 9220 1st Avenue SE, stated that she is an addictions counselor. She supported the <br /> addition of a second methadone clinic in Everett. She stated that she often hears her fellow neighbors <br /> and citizens complain that more needs to be done in terms of offering treatment, housing, and other <br /> resources. However,when resources and solutions are developed, she hears the same folks say not in <br /> my backyard. She stated that no one deserves to lose their life over a preventable and treatable disease <br /> and all are deserving of humane treatment, love, and compassion. She stated that there isn't enough <br /> ------ --------- -- ----- <br /> 17 <br />